Comments on: 10 American Public Holidays Brits Should Know

By: Sarah Spencer

Sarah Spencer — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 04:32:00 +0000

Many, dare I say MOST, Native Americans don’t celebrate Columbus day. As far as I know schools on the Navajo and Apache Reservations don’t take the day off. Many Natives do celebrate Indian Day, or Native American Day, on or around what most folks know as Columbus Day.

By: Lizz

Lizz — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 02:29:00 +0000

What world are you living in that has Labor day before classes start? At least where I live, classes start early to mid August.

By: Michael Hayden

Michael Hayden — Sun, 30 Sep 2012 19:14:00 +0000

As a country, we like to “borrow” other holidays. So forget about Columbus Day, and add St Patrick’s Day and Cinco De Mayo (5th of May) to the list. Lots of parties, even if the natives have no real idea as to what the holiday is about.

By: Ken

Ken — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 20:30:00 +0000

Easter is not a federal holiday or state holiday although most businesses are closed. Unlike the U.K. and Canada there is no time off for Good Friday (except the stock market) and Easter Monday.

By: Ken

Ken — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 20:27:00 +0000

Patriot’s Day marks the Battles of Lexington and Concord which touched off the War for American Independence. Maine celebrates the holiday because it was part on Massachusetts until 1820 which indicates Patriot’s Day was holiday before 1820.

By: jeyeff

jeyeff — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 21:34:00 +0000

How about NEW YEAR day?

By: Olivia

Olivia — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 19:37:00 +0000

Independence Day is definitely the top American holiday. There are always tons of different events to go to for all ages, parades, festivals, barbeques, firework shows, etc… Celebrating it doesn’t take much effort, unlike Thanksgiving. All you could do is put on some red, white and blue and look up into the night sky and watch fireworks being set off anywhere in a 15 mile radius. The national pride is infectious and it’s in the summer when families are more able to get together.

With Thanksgiving, a lot of people tend to think of it as the starting point of the holiday season and prepare for the next day which is the busiest shopping day of the year, Black Friday. It can also be more trouble to travel to see your family for the time off you have. Last year, I had class until the day before Thanksgiving and to get to my aunt’s house two states over for a family dinner was near impossible without having a psychotic break or breaking my bank. I’d rather put that money and effort towards a Christmas visit. I had deli chicken and jojos while having a Doctor Who marathon, instead.

By: JAS

JAS — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 08:33:00 +0000

Actually, Independence Day is a more “important” holiday than Thanksgiving. And though some states may not celebrate Columbus Day, it is still a federal holiday, so no mail is delivered and no banks are open.

By: gz

gz — Sun, 02 Sep 2012 20:25:00 +0000

Columbus was not Spanish he wan an Italian. Who recieved funding from the Spanish monarchy for his explorations.

By: dw

dw — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 07:56:00 +0000

There are actually more public holidays in the US than in England and Wales, contrary to what the article claims.

The writer of this article may be confusing public holidays (specific days defined by law) with paid time off (which can be taken at any time).