The English-speaking countries have a number of common holidays that they celebrate. These events bring friends and families together and let them have a good time. Many of them take the opportunity to travel abroad with family. The roads are decorated with lights and other decorative items. The shops offer massive discounts. You will notice a festive environment everywhere. Here are the holidays that are worth mentioning.

Christmas Day

Christmas is celebrated in all English-speaking countries. Though it's a religious occasion of the Christians, it has now become a global celebration irrespective of religion. It takes place on 25th December every year marking the birth of Jesus Christ. People decorate Xmas trees and put gifts underneath the tree. The children are told that Santa Claus has given them gifts. On 24th December, that is Christmas Eve, families have dinner together. On the morning of Christmas, people open their gifts. Some of them go to the church. Friends come over and have dinner together.

Easter Sunday

This day is observed on the first Sunday after the spring's first full moon. It is a religious celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. On this day people visit the churches and children look out for bunnies and chocolate eggs. People have a fun-filled holiday on this day.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is celebrated in the USA and Canada. It takes place on the fourth Thursday of November every year. The colonists in Canada and New England used to celebrate Thanksgiving by praying for military victories, safe travels, and good harvests. The first Thanksgiving was known to be held by the Americans on a 1621 harvest feast. The day before Thanksgiving people visit their families to spend time together. Families prepare turkey for a big meal. In some families, each member brings food to the table. So, there's a huge feast. Beautiful parades take place on this day. You will see marching bands and balloons on the streets. Football games are broadcast on TV.

Black Friday

The history of Black Friday is quite interesting. It used to be the day after Thanksgiving. The workers used to call in sick on this day to get a long weekend. Another story is that crowds used to flood the city of Philadelphia after Thanksgiving day to watch the Army-Navy football game and do shopping at huge discounts. This caused traffic gridlock and trouble for the police, so they called it Black Friday. In the USA it also marks the start of the shopping season for Christmas.

Halloween

Halloween was first celebrated in Scotland, Ireland, and the Isle of Man. It originates from the Celtic culture. People decorate home yards with pumpkins carved into jack-o'-lanterns. People believe that these can bring the spirits of their dead relatives and protect their homes from bad spirits. Children go from home to home in their neighborhood to collect chocolates. They dress up in various horror or comic characters to scare those who don't give them chocolates. It is a fun event for people of all ages. Nowadays, the adults also dress up in Halloween costumes and have a great time.

All Saints´Day

This day is celebrated in the USA, UK, Canada and Ireland. It is the day after Halloween, that is, November 1. The day is celebrated by the Catholic, Protestant, and Anglican churches. The day is observed to pay respect to all the saints in Christian history. Many Catholics visit tombstones to pay respect to their deceased relatives. They decorate the graves with candles and flowers.

Saint Patrick's Day

The people of Northern Ireland mainly celebrate this day. It takes place on the 17th of March every year. The British people wear costumes symbolizing St. Patrick and participate in parades. The pubs serve traditional drinks. People go to concerts and festivals in their local area.

Guy Fawkes Night (Bonfire Night)

This day is celebrated in Great Britain to remember the day of the 1605 Gunpower Plot. On this day Guy Fawkes tried to destroy the British Parliament along with his associates. Bonfires and fireworks take place in most parts of England. Some families prepare traditional dishes on this day.

May Day

This day was first celebrated in the USA in 1886. It is observed to mark the struggle of working 8 hours a day. On this day that year, many workers went on strike for shorter working hours and a better working environment. It is a national holiday in many countries including the USA. It takes place on 1st May every year.

St. Andrews Day

The Scottish people observe the day to remember their patron saint – St. Andrew. On this day, people celebrate Scottish culture, food and music.

Anzac Day

This event takes place on April 25 every year. It is a National Day of Remembrance for the people of Australia and the New Zealand Army Corps who fought in Turkey during World War I. It is to mark the contribution of those who have fought for the country.

The events just discussed are celebrated in most English-speaking countries. People take the opportunity to be with the family. As most of the occasions are declared to be national holidays, people spend leisure and fun time with their family and friends. Food, music, and parades are common elements of these celebrations. In most of these days, you can buy something for your loved ones.