American Holidays January New Year's (January 1) is celebrated with parties and, often with watching the ball

drop in New York's Times Square. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (third Monday of January) is a day that Americans honor this famous civil rights leader who fought for equality for all people. February President's Day is celebrated in honor of President Lincoln and President Washington. Typically it falls between the birthdays of these two former U.S. Presidents. Valentine's Day (February 14) celebrates love. People exchange Valentine cards, chocolates and flowers with loved ones. March St. Patrick's Day (March 17) is celebrated by Irish Americans and many others. Some cities have big parades, and many people wear green! April April Fool's Day (April 1) is a day to play 'tricks' on friends. People many try one out on you, and if you are tricked, they will then say 'April Fools!' letting you know it was only a joke. Easter (a Christian holiday) and Passover (a Jewish holiday) usually occur in April. This is also the time for 'Spring Break', a one week holiday students have off from school. May Mother's Day (second Sunday) is a day celebrating mothers. Children will often prepare something special for their moms on this day. Memorial Day (last Monday in May) commemorates soldiers who have died in battle. It also is considered the start of summer, and many families plan barbeques or parties. June Father's Day (third Sunday) is a day for celebrating fathers. Children will often prepare something special for their dads on this day. School ends and summer vacation begins for most children.

July Independence Day (July 4) celebrates Americans signing the "The Declaration of Independence" from the United Kingdom on the 4th of July, 1776. There will be lots of flags, parades, parties, picnics and in the evening - fireworks! September Labor Day (first Monday) is in celebration of the American worker. Many schools start again after Labor Day, so it often marks the end of summer vacation as well. October Columbus Day (October 12) celebrates the discovery of America in 1492 by Christopher Columbus. Halloween (October 31) is celebrated by people dressing up in costumes of all sorts. Children go "trick-or-treating" around the neighborhood, ringing doorbells, and asking for treats (candy) from the neighbors. November Veteran's Day (November 11) is celebrated in honor of American war veterans. Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday) originally commemorated a successful summer harvest, but now is also about being thankful for friends, family and community. Families prepare a Thanksgiving dinner which traditionally includes of roast turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. December Chanukah (a Jewish holiday) and Christmas (December 25 - a Christian holiday) are celebrated in December. Children usually have one to two weeks off from school between Christmas and New Year's Day.