In the United States, November and December are known as the "Holiday Season" because of the important holidays celebrated from Thanksgiving to New Year's. The United States is a multicultural country that has adopted holiday customs from all over the world and developed some of its own distinctive ones. The United States is a multicultural country that has adopted holiday customs from all over the world and has developed its own distinctive holiday customs. Some information was organized.
For international students in the United States, here is an easy guide to these traditions.
1. Black Friday
You've probably seen it on TV - on the first day after Thanksgiving in the US, people gather early in the morning at stores across the country to find the biggest discounts on holiday gifts. The event is named after the business phrase "in The black", which means that a company has made a profit.
2. Drink eggnog
Eggnog is a sweet seasonal drink that has been popular during the holiday season in the United States since colonial times. The drink consists of milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which can be added to or with egg whites and rum/whiskey. Although the drink originated in England, it is a treat that is only served during American holidays.
3. Decorating Houses with Lights
From white lights to inflatable decorations, house decorations are common across the country. Beyond public **** parks and town squares, American families and neighbors (like this neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) often see their house decorations as a source of pride and a reason to brag.
4. Eat pumpkin for dessert
You've probably heard the phrase, "as American as apple pie." In the United States, every fall in the United States, farmers harvest pumpkins, and between Halloween and Christmas, bakeries and families make pumpkins into a variety of holiday foods. One of the most famous is pumpkin pie, a sweet and hearty dessert usually enjoyed with family after Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Try it this year!
5. Watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve in New York
Every New Year's Eve, for more than 100 years, thousands of tourists have flocked to New York City's Times Square to witness the "Crystal Ball Drop". A 12-foot tall Waterford Crystal Ball weighing over 5,000 kilograms falls from the top of Times Square as Americans count down to the New Year. If you can't make it to New York to see it in person, you can watch it on TV.
6. Masquerade parade
The Masquerade parade is considered to be the oldest folk festival in the United States. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Masquerade is a unique New Year's Eve celebration.
7. December and January Vacation
Most U.S. schools and many businesses take Christmas and New Year's Day off so families can spend time together. For college students in the United States, the holidays mean it's time for winter break, which usually lasts from mid-December to mid-January.
8. Mixed Cultural Traditions
The United States is home to people from all over the world, and holiday celebrations are no exception. Whether you're an international student vacationing in the U.S. for the first or fifth time, these traditions are sure to get you into the spirit. Happy Holidays!