1. Holidays and Festivals in the UK and the USA
How do people celebrate these special days? When and Why?

2. Valentine‘s day 14th February
It is a festival of romantic love and many people give cards, letters, flowers or presents to their spouse or partner. They may also arrange a romantic meal in a restaurant or night in a hotel. Common symbols of Valentine's Day are hearts, red roses and Cupid.

3. Easter Day
Christian (religious) holiday – people commemorate death and resurrection [ˌrezəˈrekʃən] of Jesus Christ in March or April
People paint and decorate eggs
Children believe that Easter Bunny comes to their houses or gardens to hide eggs there. Children look for them.

4. Mother‘s Day celebrated on the second Sunday in May
Mothers get small presents from their children – flowers, cards and other gifts

5. Halloween
People carve pumpkins – jack-o-lanterns and dress up in scary costumes like ghosts, witches or devils
Children go trick or treating from door to door and ask for sweets
Children have costume parties
Celebrated on October 31st

6. Christmas Christmas Eve, Christmas Day (25/12), Boxing Day
Santa Claus (US) or Father Christmas (UK) brings presents
Kissing under a mistletoe
Decorating Christmas trees, hanging stockings,
Christmas dinner - turkey + potatoes + vegetables, Christmas pudding (UK)
People go to church, sing Christmas carols, send Christmas cards
Christian holiday, people celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ

7. Thanksgiving
Special US holiday, celebrated on the 4th Thursday in November
Originally the first Pilgrims gave thanks to God for the first harvest with the feast (17th century)
Now important family holiday when family members meet together
Special dinner – turkey, potatoes, pumpkin corn

8. Independence Day Celebrated in the USA on the 4th of July
The USA became independent on Great Britain in 1776 after the War of Independence
The holiday celebrated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, families meet