Read about Holidays Chapter Notes | Social Studies for Grade 3 PDF Download

Introduction

Holidays are special days when people celebrate, remember important events, or spend time with family and friends. In the United States, many holidays are celebrated by different communities. Each holiday has its own traditions, foods, and ways of celebrating. In this chapter, we will learn about ten important holidays: Christmas, Día de los Muertos, Easter, Holi, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Rosh Hashanah, and Thanksgiving. These holidays show how people share their culture, beliefs, and joy with others.

Holidays Celebrated Around the World

Christmas

Christmas is celebrated on December 25 every year.

• It is a Christian holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ.
• People decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments.
• Families exchange gifts to show love and kindness.
• Many people sing Christmas carols, like "Jingle Bells" and "Silent Night."
• Some families go to church to pray and celebrate.
• Popular foods include cookies, cakes, and holiday dinners with turkey or ham.
• Santa Claus is a special character who brings gifts to children.
• People often spend time with family and friends to share happiness.

Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1 and 2.

• It is a Mexican holiday to honor family members who have passed away.
• People believe the spirits of loved ones visit on these days.
• Families create altars called "ofrendas" with photos, flowers, and food.
• Marigold flowers are used because they are bright and attract spirits.
• People make sugar skulls and eat special bread called "pan de muerto."
• Some families visit cemeteries to clean graves and leave offerings.
• It is a happy celebration to remember loved ones with joy, not sadness.
• People may wear colorful costumes or paint their faces like skulls.

Easter

Easter is a Christian holiday celebrated in spring, usually in March or April.

• It celebrates Jesus Christ rising from the dead.
• The date changes every year based on the moon’s cycle.
• People go to church for special services and prayers.
• Children decorate eggs with bright colors and patterns.
• Easter egg hunts are fun games where kids find hidden eggs.
• The Easter Bunny is a character who hides eggs for children to find.
• Families often eat special meals with ham, lamb, or chocolate treats.
• Some people give baskets filled with candy and toys as gifts.

Holi

Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated in spring, usually in March.

• It is called the "Festival of Colors" because people throw colored powders and water at each other.
• Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.
• People sing, dance, and play with colors in the streets.
• Families and friends share special foods like sweets and snacks.
• Bonfires are lit the night before Holi to remember a story from Hindu tradition.
• It is a time to forgive others and start new friendships.
• Everyone wears-REPLACEMENT_HERE wears bright clothes to celebrate.
• Holi brings people together to have fun and share happiness.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days, usually in December.

• It is called the "Festival of Lights" because it celebrates a miracle of light.
• Long ago, a small amount of oil lasted eight days in a temple lamp.
• People light a special candleholder called a menorah each night.
• One candle is lit each night for eight nights to remember the miracle.
• Families eat foods cooked in oil, like latkes (potato pancakes) and doughnuts.
• Children play a game with a spinning top called a dreidel.
• People give gifts or money to children during Hanukkah.
• It is a time to celebrate faith, family, and togetherness.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26 to January 1.

• It is a holiday that honors African culture and traditions.
• Kwanzaa lasts for seven days, and each day has a special principle, like unity or faith.
• People light a candleholder called a kinara with seven candles.
• One candle is lit each day to represent one of the seven principles.
• Families decorate their homes with African art and colorful cloths.
• They share meals with foods like sweet potatoes, collard greens, and black-eyed peas.
• People give homemade gifts to show love and creativity.
• Kwanzaa is a time to celebrate community, culture, and pride.

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is celebrated in late January or early February.

• It is a holiday in many Asian cultures, like Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
• The date is based on the lunar calendar, so it changes every year.
• Each year is named after one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac.
• People clean their homes to sweep away bad luck and welcome good fortune.
• Families decorate with red lanterns, banners, and flowers for luck.
• They eat special foods like dumplings, noodles, and rice cakes.
• Children receive red envelopes with money for good luck.
• Parades with dragon and lion dances are popular celebrations.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a Muslim holiday that lasts for one month.

• It happens during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
• Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset to focus on prayer and kindness.
• Fasting means not eating or drinking during the day.
• People pray more and read the Quran, their holy book.
• Families eat a meal called iftar to break their fast at sunset.
• Iftar meals often include dates, soups, and special dishes.
• Ramadan ends with a big celebration called Eid al-Fitr.
• Eid al-Fitr is a time for feasting, giving gifts, and helping others.

Rosh Hashanah

ROSH Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, celebrated in September or October.

• It marks the beginning of a new year on the Jewish calendar.
• People pray in synagogues and ask for forgiveness for their mistakes.
• They blow a ram’s horn called a shofar during services.
• Families eat apples dipped in honey to wish for a sweet new year.
• Other foods include round bread called challah and pomegranates.
• It is a time to think about the past year and plan to do better.
• Rosh Hashanah starts ten days of prayer that end with Yom Kippur.
• People spend time with family and share hopes for a good year.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.

• It is a holiday to give thanks for blessings and a good harvest.
• Long ago, Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a meal to give thanks.
• Families gather for a big meal with turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.
• People share what they are thankful for, like family, friends, and food.
• Some communities have parades or football games to celebrate.
• It is a time to be grateful and spend time with loved ones.
• Many people help others by giving food to those in need.
• Thanksgiving is about kindness, sharing, and being thankful.