Observing Holiday Traditions

Holidays that are observed universally have some traditions associated with them. These traditions will vary from country to country and family to family. Traditions that are specific to a country will have interesting traditions, too.

Easter is a religious holiday celebrated by Christians around the world. Traditions on this day include new clothes and attending church services. For children, there is the basket of candy left by the Easter  bunny. Some families decorate eggs and have Easter egg hunts. It is also a day when the family sits down to a special dinner.

One of the most important holidays celebrated in the U. S. is Independence Day, July 4. The highlights of the day include parades, family picnics, and an evening of fireworks.

Thanksgiving is a day celebrated by Americans as a day to give thanks for the good things that have happened during the year. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Pilgrims with the Indians who taught them to grow crops and cook foods that were native to this country. Traditions for this day are family dinners with the main course being turkey. Relatives visit from various parts of the country to be together.

The birth of Christ is celebrated at Christmas by Christians the world over. There are different traditions in various countries but the important one to children is the visit from St. Nick or Santa Claus. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children. It is a day when children look forward to receiving gifts from their family that they have wished for all year. The family gets together for church services and a sit down dinner. Relatives visit, bringing gifts. It is a time for family and friends.

Hanukah is an important holiday for the Jewish faith. Families get together for a big meal and gifts are given on the eight days of the holiday.

Holiday traditions that involve family are important to all of us. It is a time when relationships are renewed and made stronger.