Muslim holidays, including Ramadan and Hajj, are calculated according to the Muslim calendar and can cause disputes between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Other holidays include Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. Muslims also celebrate the Islamic New Year, Ashura, Mawlid An-Nabi, and Jumu’ah. Fridays are set aside for prayer and are not considered business days in […]
Hindus celebrate numerous festivals and events, with major holidays varying by region. Holi celebrates spring with colored powder and water, while Diwali is the festival of lights. Other holidays include celebrating the birth of deities and events from Hindu mythology. Hindu holidays may be designated as community holidays in areas with large Hindu populations. It’s […]
The Jewish calendar has many important holidays, including Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Purim, Pesach, Yom Ha-Shoah, Shavu’ot, and Shabbat. Dates can be confusing as they are based on the Jewish calendar, not the Gregorian calendar. Many people are familiar with Hanukkah, Pesach and Rosh Hashanah, three major Jewish holidays, but there […]
Christian holidays revolve around the life and death of Jesus Christ, with Easter Sunday being the most important. Other major holidays include Epiphany, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Pentecost, and Christmas. Some Christians do not observe all holidays due to diversity in faith. Major holidays of the Christian faith revolve around the life and death of […]
Native American tribes celebrate various festivals and holidays, often honoring nature, ancestors, and the spirit world. Popular holidays include those celebrating the sun, rain, and crops. Different tribes have their own unique celebrations, such as the Hopi and Zuni’s Soyal ceremony, the Makahiki New Year Festival in Hawaii, and the Tewa Native Americans’ animal dances. […]
A farm and cottage vacation is ideal for those seeking a break from city life. Proper preparation is key, including appropriate clothing and entertainment. A beach, woodland, or farm vacation can be educational for children, but safety precautions must be taken. Careful packing is necessary, including basic necessities and household favorites. It’s important to ask […]
Christmas vacation ideas can be customized to fit any family’s wishes and budget. Consider historic recreation villages, working farms, volunteer opportunities, tropical regions, or snow-friendly destinations. Activities include craft workshops, farming, volunteering, and skiing. A one-of-a-kind family Christmas getaway can be a fun way to spice up ordinary Christmas traditions. Whether you’re looking for a […]
Conservation holidays involve volunteer work to help animals, the environment, or local communities, and can take place worldwide. They are funded by government grants or charitable donations and have become part of the travel industry. Regulations are lacking, but some organizations have developed codes of practice. Animal welfare and environmentally friendly holidays are popular activities. […]
The US offers fun and ironic holidays for those who feel panicked about traditional ones. Fruitcake Toss Day, Towel Day, Zucchini Day, and Talk Like A Pirate Day are some examples. Unusual holidays may have irony, but they possess a heart of gold and a love of innocent fun. The great holidays of the calendar […]
Casseroles are a popular and convenient option for holiday dinners. Consider the tastes of guests, preparation times, and ingredients when choosing a recipe. Mixed greens and cheeses are easy and versatile options, while incorporating whitefish or meat can add heartiness. Tradition can also play a role in choosing a casserole recipe. For many people, casseroles […]
Catholic holy days commemorate spiritual events and can celebrate saints, apostles, martyrs, the Virgin Mary, or specific events in Jesus Christ’s life. Holy days of obligation require church attendance, including Easter and Christmas. Other holy days include All Saints’ Day, Epiphany, and Immaculate Conception. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are not obligatory but are important. […]
Dealing with difficult relatives during the holidays can be stressful, but setting boundaries on what to discuss and limiting time spent with them can help. Accepting that they may not change and finding humor in their behavior can also ease tension. Interacting with children or focusing on meal preparation can distract from difficult relatives. Rewarding […]
The two weeks leading up to Christmas are the most popular time for couples to break up due to financial and social pressures. Only half of Americans who celebrate Christmas go to church, and the traditional colors of Christmas are red, green, and gold. “Jingle Bells” was originally a Thanksgiving song. Christmas is historically the […]
The phrases “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” both wish for a happy holiday season, but have different meanings. Merry Christmas refers to the Christian holiday on December 25th, while Happy Holidays is more general and includes all winter holidays. The debate over which phrase to use has become a casualty of political correctness, with some […]
US citizens and resident aliens must pay taxes on worldwide income, including income earned while living abroad. The IRS offers two overseas tax exemptions, including the foreign earned income exclusion and the foreign housing exclusion. To claim these exemptions, taxpayers must complete IRS Form 2555 and meet certain requirements. The foreign earned income exclusion allows […]
