Feb 12
by: Grayson Leverenz
The stars align for a celebratory hat trick with three holidays on the horizon.
Sunday welcomes the Chinese New Year of the Tiger.
Feb 01
by: Grayson Leverenz
We’re right in the dead of winter, with temperatures below freezing in much of the United States. On Tuesday, Punxsutawney Phil takes center stage for his Groundhog Day prediction. Should we expect an early spring or six more weeks of subarctic weather? If the groundhog sees his shadow, that’s a sure sign of a long winter. If not, an early spring is on the way!
Brandon and I will be celebrating with our usual tradition of watching the movie "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray. We’re going to eat sausages and sauerkraut since the Germans introduced Groundhog Day to the US; I’m quite excited about that after being homesick for Germany last week! Unfortunately, we were too late to order Punxsutawney Phil’s beer. Next year, that’s definitely on the menu.
Here’s to an early spring!
Click here for more about Groundhog Day and Punxsutawney Phil.
Note: Punxsutawney Phil is a very popular groundhog right now, resulting in his website being down. I’m putting the link here anyway in hopes that his IT people will have it back up and running soon.
Jan 18
I’m starting my day with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s "I Have a Dream" speech. The entire thing runs just over 17 minutes; I highly recommend investing the time to hear one of the most admirable leaders in US history share his vision for our country.
Dec 30
Southern-style Sweet Iced Tea
updated for 2010
by: Grayson Leverenz
After nursing hangovers, Americans continue the celebration on New Year’s Day, though usually with less alcohol. New Year’s Day is a time to sort through the past and dream of a bright future.
To celebrate New Year’s Day in the US:
Read the rest of this entry »
Dec 29
Champagne! (image: dkcameo)
updated for 2009
by: Grayson Leverenz
People around the world celebrate New Year’s Eve with traditions documented as far back as 2500 BC. Here in the USA, December 31st hosts many of the largest parties of the year. Americans gather with friends, family, or even strangers to welcome the coming of a new year and all its shiny promises.
To celebrate New Year’s Eve in the US:
Watch
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2010 on ABC. Dick Clark has been broadcasting live from NYC Times Square for 38 years. For many Americans, it wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve without it. The show begins at 10pm EST, and the ball drop highlight begins at 11:59pm EST.
It’s not unusual for the Dick Clark special to be on in the background of a party, sometimes even muted, and for everyone to turn their attention to the show just before midnight.
Drink
Champagne at midnight to toast in the New Year. Click here for examples of catchy toasts.
Dec 23
image: My MBA Exchange Buddy, Lilach, and I decorate the Christmas Tree. Lilach is from Israel, and had never decorated a Christmas tree before. She said, "It’s just like in the movies!"
updated for 2009
by: Grayson Leverenz
Christmas is probably the biggest holiday of the year in the USA. Hours of shopping, decorating and cooking come together on this special day, December 25th. Christmas is a federal holiday; so most businesses are closed, and there are no government services like post, trash or recycling.
The Christmas Story
As told by the books of Matthew and Luke in the Bible, an angel visited a young woman named Mary from Galilee of Nazareth, and told her she was destined to bear the son of the Holy Spirit. Mary’s fiancée, Joseph, felt shamed that his virgin bride was pregnant. He considered divorcing her in private, but changed his mind after a visit from another angel that confirmed Mary’s story.
Just before Mary gave birth, the young family traveled to Bethlehem to register in the census. There was no room at the town’s small inn, but the innkeeper allowed Mary and Joseph to stay in the stable because Mary was with child. She gave birth to a baby boy that night. She wrapped him in swaddling clothing, and laid him in a manger.
An angel appeared in a field and told the shepherds of the miracle birth. The shepherds, guided by the light of the North Star, traveled to meet the baby, as did three Wise Men bearing gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh. After meeting the baby Jesus, the shepherds and Wise Men told friends and neighbors about their experience meeting an angel and the future Savior of the world.
Traditions
Religious
Many Americans attend religious ceremonies to celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Ceremonies take place on Christmas Eve as well as on Christmas morning.
Family
The idea of being home for the holidays resonates with most Americans. Christmas is the time of year to surround yourself with extended family, young and old. For some people, Christmas is actually the one time a year family members see each other. They exchange gifts, share stories from the year and feast on American classics, very similar to Thanksgiving dinner.
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