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.