Dr. Seuss Day
Dr. Seuss Day
A Part of American History
Held annually on March 2nd, Dr. Seuss Day is a holiday that celebrates the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel – otherwise known by the pen name by which he authored children’s books: Dr. Seuss. During the 1990s, the National Education Association advocated for a day to celebrate reading all over the United States. In 1998, it started Read Across America and decided to hold it on the same day as Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
On Dr. Seuss Day, it is customary to read a favorite book with your child. It could be one of Dr. Seuss’s books or it could be another children’s book author. The whole point of the day is to engage children in reading and to get them to read on a regular basis.
Things you can do in March for Read Across America Day!
- Read a Dr. Seuss book as a family!
- Visit your local library & check out a book by an American author – Many libraries have family friendly events too!
What Not To DO In The U.S.A.
While there is so much to do in exploring a new country and new culture, certain boundaries and rules must be respected to have an entertaining holiday. The USA is filled with adventure of all sorts, and to enjoy them uninterruptedly here a few things that you must NOT do-
1.Over travelling
It’s surely is tempting to leave your footprints on most of the places in the US. But here is the fun fact, the continental United States is larger than Europe, and thus, travelling everywhere in a short span could make you ready to drop. It has gorgeous cities like Arizona, Washington and New York, and wrapping all the tours in one go could overload.
2.Drink and Drive
It is not acceptable at all! If the police find you guilty, a hefty fine is issued right on your face.
3.Smoking anywhere
It is everyone’s right to breathe clean air and with this philosophy, many places in the USA have banned smoking. The workplaces and public places are witnessing a great initiative of being smoke-free.
4.Showing a middle finger
OH, It’s the USA- everything is cool here! If you are visiting with this mentality, you might get a setback. Pointing a middle finger to someone can get you killed in the USA. And we ain’t kidding. While other gestures like putting a thumbs up, having hands in the pocket or using a left hand are perfectly common.
5.Getting too much into other space
Hugs are not one of the favourite gestures of Americans. Greeting with handshakes are acceptable but don’t go forward to kissing and hugging people around. If you find the other person taking a step back, you can recognise that you are entering into his space. Avoid confrontations like peeping into other’s phones, wearing dark glasses, etc. Also, be careful of how you hold your limbs in a crowded bus or train.
6.Not tipping
It is not your local restaurant where you can skip without tipping at all. Tipping in large could be culturally sensitive in many European or Asian countries, but American culture doesn’t work that way. Whenever you are receiving any kind of service, you must tip about 12-20 per cent of the amount.
7.Silence in conversation
The uncomfortable zone builds up with Americans when a conversation is followed by a long silence. They appreciate the effort taken to have a mindful and interesting conversation. A silence of more than 3 seconds could be weird and if you are tending to have a problem with language, make use of the fillers like, Oh Sure, Yeah, And then, etc.
8.Jokes on race and gender
Few things can catch the eyes of the locals. One of these is discussing race, gender, sexuality, colour or weight. Your strong opinions on any of these topics could not end well, because someone or the other is bound to get offended. So, the best escape is simply nodding or carrying a pleasant smile.
9.Talking about politics
When you are interacting with people you know very well, taking a side could not harm. But being an outsider, sitting with a group of strangers, and taking a strong stance on a political candidate could arise issues. Nothing is better than enjoying the conversation.
10.Staring at woman
Making women uncomfortable with staring, gawking and flirting can invite the police. If you are interested, approaching them kindly and with courtesy is the key. If a woman is inviting you over, take it as a friendly invitation. Do not get misled with such requests by a female.
11.Talking about disliking football
Soccer is better than football, you say it and you get a pitiful look. You have to like football here as no one would hear anything against it. Also, nobody will take your lecture on football. Do not preach your virtues of what you know extra besides American football. Just love the game and people will love you back.
12.Comparing your country with America
Americans have a belief that their country is the best. And if you combat this thought bringing in your country and your values to be top-notch, you might get it back. So, go with the flow and do not intervene in their “we are superior” chats.
The USA is a masterpiece and one can spend a lavish holiday, only with certain inhibitions in mind. Find yourself a great deal with Rayna and revel in a magical trip.
Original article by USA Travel Blog: https://go.shr.lc/2RUFOkc
New Year, New Cultural Activities!
The start of New Year’s Day, at midnight on January 1st, is heralded by fireworks, parties and special events, which are often televised. Very few people have to work on the day itself. For many it is a day of recovery from the New Year’s Eve celebrations the previous night. In some towns and cities, parades are held and special football games are played. The birth of the first baby in the New Year is often celebrated with gifts to his or her parents and appearances in local newspapers and on local news shows. Many people make New Year’s resolutions. These are usually promises to themselves that they will improve something in their own lives. Common New Year’s resolutions are to stop smoking or drinking alcohol, to lose weight, exercise more or to live a healthier lifestyle.
Martin Luther King Day, January 20th is a relatively new federal holiday and there are few long standing traditions. It is seen as a day to promote equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their background. Some educational establishments mark the day by teaching their pupils or students about the work of Martin Luther King and the struggle against racial segregation and racism. In recent years, federal legislation has encouraged Americans to give some of their time on this day as volunteers in citizen action groups.
Action Plan:
Things you can do to celebrate this January!
- Make a list of resolutions to try to keep in the new year
- Share with your host family what you do for new years in your home country and when it is
- Eat food considered lucky to eat going into the New Year! In America, these include black eyed peas, cabbage, and pork.
- Listen to Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I have a dream” speech
