Major US holidays are part of the culture that new settlers should know, in order to integrate and organize their lives. Many holidays affect work and school schedules. This article introduces the major US holidays throughout the year and their basic meaning.
Major US holidays: federal holidays
The US has several federal holidays throughout the year, which are official holidays at the national level. On these days, many government offices, banks, and schools close, and some workplaces also close.
Major federal holidays include New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and several others. These are important occasions in the social calendar of the United States.
Some notable holidays
Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, commonly marked with a traditional meal. Independence Day commemorates the country’s founding, usually with fireworks and outdoor activities. The end-of-year period is also an important holiday season for many families.
Besides federal holidays, there are many other widely celebrated cultural occasions. Each occasion carries its own meaning and atmosphere in social life.
Notes for New Immigrants
Knowing the holiday calendar helps you plan work, shopping, and daily life. During major holidays, stores may be crowded or closed, and traffic may be heavy. The Vietnamese community also continues to observe its own traditional holidays.
You should refer to the list of federal holidays to keep track of official holidays, and plan your life while integrating into the local culture.
Summary
Major US holidays include federal holidays such as New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, and end-of-year occasions, when many places close or take time off. Knowing the holiday calendar helps you organize work and daily life. You should keep track of the holiday calendar to integrate while still observing traditional Vietnamese holidays.
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References
- USA.gov — Federal holidays: https://www.usa.gov/holidays
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management — Federal Holidays: https://www.opm.gov/
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