Background

Holidays celebrated across America are often referred to as "national" holidays however America has no "national" holidays that are required by law, unlike that of many other nations. Still the U.S. government (federal government) gives its employees ten "official" paid holidays each year. A listing of the "official" holidays can be seen in Table 1. Although no one is required by law to be given the same holidays as that of federal governmental employees, most state governments and private employers traditionally also give their employees the same paid holidays, although this can vary slightly from state-to-state and employer-to-employer.

For some holidays, the "official" day of celebration is not always the true day of the holiday.  Often the official day of celebration has been moved to the Monday closest to the true holiday for scheduling convenience since most governmental workers generally work Monday through Friday only. It is less disruptive to the government’s official business to give governmental employees three days off together (Saturday through Monday) rather than perhaps a day in the middle of the week.

Most federal and state government offices are closed during these "official" holidays. Also, banks traditionally are closed during these "official" holidays. Most businesses such as stores, gas stations, and restaurants generally stay open on "official" holidays except for Thanksgiving and Christmas although it is not impossible to find a few open even on those big holidays. 

In addition to the "official" paid holidays that most Americans are allowed off from work, there are a number of "unofficial" holidays that many people celebrate but are not given off from work. Since America is a nation of immigrants just able every holiday in the world is celebrated here by someone. Table 2 lists a few of the more common "unofficial" holidays often celebrated in America.

What Americans love most these days about holidays are being with friends and family and just having fun. In fact having fun is just about the only thing American think about for holidays. Much of the original meaning of many holidays has been long forgotten. But many holidays had a much deeper meaning when they were created.

Background: You are here.
Official Holidays
Unofficial Holidays