American Holidays
Holidays are special days when we celebrate! Let's learn about some important American holidays and how people celebrate them.
Learn
A holiday is a special day when people celebrate something important. On holidays, people might have a day off from work or school to spend time with family and friends!
American Holidays We Celebrate
Thanksgiving
On Thanksgiving, we say "thank you" for all the good things in our lives. Families eat a big dinner together, often with turkey, and share what they're thankful for.
When: Fourth Thursday of November
Fourth of July (Independence Day)
This is America's birthday! We celebrate the day America became its own country. People watch fireworks, have picnics, and see parades with American flags.
When: July 4th
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
We celebrate Dr. King, who taught us that all people should be treated fairly and kindly. It's a day to remember to be kind to everyone.
When: Third Monday of January
More American Holidays
Valentine's Day
Show love to friends and family
Memorial Day
Remember brave soldiers
Labor Day
Thank all workers
Veterans Day
Thank people who served
Presidents Day
Remember our leaders
Earth Day
Take care of our planet
Examples
Let's see how people celebrate different holidays!
Example 1: Thanksgiving
What people do: Families come together and eat a big meal.
Special food: Turkey, mashed potatoes, pie, and more!
What makes it special: Everyone says what they're thankful for. Emma says, "I'm thankful for my family!"
Example 2: Fourth of July
What people do: Watch fireworks, have picnics, and see parades.
What you see: Red, white, and blue colors everywhere! American flags waving!
What makes it special: Carlos watches the colorful fireworks light up the sky. BOOM! POP! It's America's birthday!
Example 3: Valentine's Day
What people do: Give cards and small gifts to people they care about.
What you see: Hearts, flowers, and the color red!
What makes it special: Maya makes cards for all her classmates. "I like you!" she writes to her friends.
Example 4: Memorial Day
What people do: Remember soldiers who were brave and protected our country.
What you see: Flags at cemeteries, parades, and people wearing red, white, and blue.
What makes it special: It's a day to say "thank you" to heroes who kept us safe.
Example 5: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
What people do: Learn about Dr. King and do kind things for others.
What Dr. King taught: Everyone should be treated fairly, no matter what they look like.
What makes it special: Jamal's class does a community service project to help others, just like Dr. King wanted!
Practice Problems
What do you know about American holidays?
Problem 1
What is a holiday?
Show Answer
A holiday is a special day when people celebrate something important!
Problem 2
What holiday do we eat turkey on?
Show Answer
Thanksgiving! Families eat turkey and share what they're thankful for.
Problem 3
What do we celebrate on the Fourth of July?
Show Answer
America's birthday! (Independence Day - when America became its own country)
Problem 4
What do people watch in the sky on the Fourth of July?
Show Answer
Fireworks! They're colorful and go BOOM in the sky!
Problem 5
What holiday is about showing love to friends and family with cards and hearts?
Show Answer
Valentine's Day! People give cards and say "I like you!" to people they care about.
Problem 6
Who do we remember on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?
Show Answer
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - he taught us that all people should be treated fairly and kindly.
Problem 7
What colors do you see a lot on American holidays?
Show Answer
Red, white, and blue - the colors of the American flag!
Problem 8
What holiday thanks workers for all they do?
Show Answer
Labor Day! We thank people who work hard.
Problem 9
What do families often do on holidays?
Show Answer
Families spend time together, eat special meals, and celebrate!
Problem 10
What is your favorite holiday?
Show Answer
Any answer is correct! Everyone has different favorite holidays, and that's great!
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
Why do we have holidays?
Show Answer
Holidays help us celebrate special things, remember important people and events, and spend time with family and friends!
Question 2
Name two American holidays.
Show Answer
Examples: Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, Valentine's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day (any two!)
Question 3
What do people share at Thanksgiving dinner?
Show Answer
People share what they are thankful for (and delicious food!).
Question 4
Why is the Fourth of July called "America's birthday"?
Show Answer
Because it's the day America became its own country - just like a birthday celebrates when you were born!
Next Steps
Holiday Calendar!
Make a calendar or poster showing:
- Draw pictures of 3 holidays you learned about
- Write or tell what month each holiday is in
- Draw how your family celebrates one holiday
- Ask your family about their favorite holidays and how they celebrate
- Think about what YOU are thankful for (you don't have to wait for Thanksgiving!)
- Ready to learn about family traditions? Check out Family Traditions!