Election Day

The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November is set aside for elections. The U.S. President is elected every four years. Most states also have elections on this day. A few states have this as a legal holiday. Businesses and stores are open normal hours.

Veterans Day

Originally called Armistice Day, Nov. 11 commemorated the end of World War I and the veterans who served in the war. Sadly, USA was to engage in many more wars and conflicts, and in 1954, President Eisenhower changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day so that we could pay tribute to all those who served in American wars. On Veterans Day, there are ceremonies and speeches and honor is paid to veterans at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery. There are also quiet vigils at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. At 11 a.m., most Americans observe a moment of silence, remembering those who fought for peace. Post offices and government offices are closed. Most businesses and stores are open normal hours.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday of November and has its origin in a harvest feast. The Native Americans taught the early American colonists how to grow corn and other crops in the unfamiliar soil. They showed them how to hunt and fish. In the fall, a feast was planned in thanks for the bountiful harvest, and the Native Americans were invited. Today, the tradition is to have a large family supper and to give thanks for all our blessings. It is also a day to watch football on TV, give help to the poor, and start decorating for Christmas. Post offices and government offices are closed both Thursday and Friday. Most businesses are closed both days. Most stores are closed on Thursday, but are open extended hours on Friday; this is considered the busiest shopping day of the year.

Pearl Harbor Day

This day recalls the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which compelled the USA to enter World War II. We honor those who died that day. Businesses and stores are open normal hours.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday also called The Festival of Lights. A special lamp, called a menorah, with eight candles is lit over the eight-day holiday, one candle each night. Jewish people celebrate the purification of the Temple of Jerusalem, which had been desecrated three years before. A miracle occurred when the Jews got their temple back. They lit a special lamp called the Eternal Light, which they always kept burning. But there was only enough oil for one day, and it would take eight days to get more oil. The lamp continued to burn for all eight days until it was filled with oil. Today, Jewish families enjoy a big dinner, songs and children play a game using a top called a dreidel. Businesses and stores are open normal hours.

Christmas Eve

This is a day of great excitement for children because tomorrow they will have new toys and clothes. Many families have traditional activities for this night. Some may have special dinners, others tell Christmas stories, many go to church festivities, and there are always those doing last-minute shopping. Some people put up Christmas trees this night, though most put the decorations up much earlier in the month. It is traditional for children to leave a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa before they go to sleep. The common belief is that Santa Claus, also called Father Christmas, St. Nick and Kriss Kringle, comes down the chimney and leaves presents for girls and boys who have been good during the year. Post offices and government offices may close early. Many businesses are closed or close early. Stores may have limited hours.

Christmas

This is a Christian holiday, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. But it has also become a joyous secular holiday enjoyed by many non-Christians as well. The spirit of Christmas is giving, charity and love. Children and adults alike receive presents, but it is also a time to give to the less fortunate by making donations of time, money or gifts to charities. Traditional activities include opening presents on Christmas morning, going to Church, visiting friends and family, singing carols, having a big dinner, and eating lots of desserts. Post offices and government offices are closed. Businesses and stores are closed.

Kwanzaa Begins

Kwanzaa is celebrated by African Americans and is based on an African harvest festival. Founded upon the seven principles of unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith, it is celebrated for seven days and encourages African Americans to think about their African heritage.

New Year's Eve

Parties abound on New Year's Eve, a night to celebrate the past year and the beginning of a new one. It is a time to reflect on our achievements of the past and our aspirations for the future. Resolutions are often made to improve ourselves or to reach our goals. Toasting the New Year with champagne at midnight is traditional and so are fireworks. Parties may have noisemakers, confetti, balloons or streamers that make midnight and the New Year festive.

To be continued next week

Till then have a wonderful weekend