Modules
IN THIS LESSON
In this section, we’ll explore some of the most popular celebrations and holidays in the United States. American holidays often involve family gatherings, special meals, and fun traditions. By learning about these celebrations, you can better understand how American teenagers spend their holidays and connect with each other.
Thanksgiving:
Thanksgiving is a major holiday in the U.S., celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It’s a time for families to come together and give thanks for what they have. The holiday has historical roots in the Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a meal together.
Traditions: Most families celebrate by having a big meal that includes turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Some families also watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or football games.
Example: "My family celebrates Thanksgiving by having a big dinner. We cook turkey, and after eating, we all sit together and watch football on TV."
Halloween:
Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, is one of the most fun holidays for American teenagers. It’s all about dressing up in costumes, going trick-or-treating, and enjoying spooky activities.
Traditions: Teenagers often wear costumes, attend Halloween parties, and watch scary movies with friends. Younger children go trick-or-treating, collecting candy from neighbors.
Example: "For Halloween, I dressed up as a superhero, and my friends and I went to a party. We carved pumpkins and watched a horror movie. It’s one of my favorite holidays."
Christmas:
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the U.S. and takes place on December 25th. Although it is a religious holiday for Christians, many Americans celebrate it as a cultural event filled with decorations, gift-giving, and family gatherings.
Traditions: Many families put up a Christmas tree and exchange presents on Christmas morning. People also decorate their houses with lights, and some go caroling or attend church services. Christmas is often associated with Santa Claus, who delivers gifts to children.
Example: "On Christmas Eve, we hang stockings by the fireplace, and on Christmas morning, we open our presents. My family also has a big dinner with ham and lots of desserts."
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day:
New Year’s Eve, celebrated on December 31st, is the final holiday of the year, and New Year’s Day marks the start of a new year. Many Americans celebrate by staying up until midnight to watch the ball drop in Times Square, New York, and welcoming the new year with fireworks and cheers.
Traditions: People often attend parties or spend time with family and friends. At midnight, it’s common to make New Year’s resolutions, promising to work on something or improve a part of your life in the coming year.
Example: "On New Year’s Eve, my friends and I go to a party, and at midnight, we count down the seconds until the new year. It’s exciting to celebrate with everyone and think about what we want to achieve next year."
Fourth of July:
The Fourth of July, or Independence Day, is a patriotic holiday celebrated on July 4th. It marks the day the U.S. declared independence from Britain in 1776. The day is filled with fireworks, barbecues, and outdoor activities.
Traditions: Many families have barbecues, go to the beach, or attend parades. At night, people gather to watch fireworks displays, often the highlight of the celebration.
Example: "Every year on the Fourth of July, my family has a barbecue, and we go to the park to watch the fireworks. It’s a great way to celebrate with friends and family."
Valentine’s Day:
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14th and is all about love and friendship. Teenagers and adults alike exchange gifts, cards, or flowers, often as a way to express their feelings for one another.
Traditions: In high schools, students sometimes give small gifts or cards to their friends or romantic partners. Some schools hold special events like dances or fundraisers.
Example: "On Valentine’s Day, I gave my best friend a card and some chocolates. At school, we had a Valentine’s dance, and it was a lot of fun to hang out with everyone."
Easter:
Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but it also has popular cultural traditions. It is usually celebrated in March or April.
Traditions: For many families, Easter includes an Easter egg hunt for children, where they search for hidden eggs filled with candy or small toys. Some families also attend church services and have a special meal.
Example: "My family goes to church on Easter Sunday, and afterward, my little cousins have an Easter egg hunt in the backyard. We usually have a nice lunch with ham and desserts."
Summary of Popular Holidays in the U.S.
Thanksgiving: Family meals, turkey, and gratitude
Halloween: Costumes, trick-or-treating, and parties
Christmas: Gift-giving, decorations, and family time
New Year’s Eve/Day: Parties, fireworks, and resolutions
Fourth of July: Barbecues, fireworks, and patriotism
Valentine’s Day: Cards, chocolates, and celebrating friendships
Easter: Easter egg hunts, church, and family gatherings
American holidays offer a wide variety of celebrations, from spending time with family to dressing up in costumes. These holidays provide opportunities for fun, reflection, and connection with others. How do these holidays compare to those in Iran? Some might feel familiar, while others could introduce you to new traditions and ideas.
This section provides Iranian students with a snapshot of American holiday traditions, helping them relate to how American teenagers celebrate important cultural events. Let me know if you’d like to adjust or add more details
