Read About Holidays Chapter Notes | Social Studies for Grade 2 PDF Download

Introduction

Holidays are special days when people come together to celebrate, remember, or honor important events, traditions, or beliefs. In the United States, many holidays are celebrated with family, friends, and communities. Each holiday has its own unique customs, foods, and activities that make it fun and meaningful. In this chapter, we will learn about ten special holidays: Christmas, Día de los Muertos, Easter, Hanukkah, Holi, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Rosh Hashanah, and Thanksgiving. Let’s explore what makes each holiday special!

Holidays Celebrated Around the World

Christmas

Christmas is celebrated on December 25th every year.

• It honors the birth of Jesus Christ, an important figure in Christianity.
• People decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments.
• Families exchange gifts to show love and kindness.
• Many people sing songs called carols, like "Jingle Bells."
• Some families go to church to pray and celebrate.
• Children believe Santa Claus brings gifts on Christmas Eve.
• People enjoy special foods like cookies, ham, or hot chocolate.
• Christmas is a time for joy, sharing, and being together.

Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos means "Day of the Dead" in Spanish.

• It is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd.
• People honor family members and friends who have passed away.
• Families make altars called "ofrendas" with photos, flowers, and candles.
• They put favorite foods and drinks of loved ones on the altars.
• Marigold flowers are used because they are bright and special.
• People decorate with sugar skulls and skeletons to celebrate life.
• Some families visit cemeteries to clean graves and leave gifts.
• It is a happy time to remember and celebrate loved ones.

Easter

Easter is celebrated in spring, usually in March or April.

• It is a Christian holiday that celebrates Jesus Christ rising from the dead.
• People go to church for special services and prayers.
• Children hunt for colorful Easter eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny.
• Eggs are decorated with bright colors and patterns.
• Families have big meals with foods like ham, potatoes, or bread.
• Some people give baskets filled with candy and toys.
• Easter is a time for new beginnings and happiness.
• Many wear new clothes or hats to celebrate the day.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday, also called the Festival of Lights.

• It lasts for eight days, usually in November or December.
• It celebrates a miracle when a little oil lasted eight days.
• People light a special candleholder called a menorah each night.
• They play a game with a spinning top called a dreidel.
• Families eat foods cooked in oil, like latkes (potato pancakes) and doughnuts.
• Children sometimes get small gifts or money each day.
• Hanukkah is a time to share light, hope, and joy.
• People sing songs and tell stories about the holiday.

Holi

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

• It is called the Festival of Colors because people throw colored powder and water.
• Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
• People gather with friends and family to play and laugh.
• They dance, sing, and share special foods like sweets and snacks.
• Bonfires are lit the night before to remember a story about good winning.
• Everyone wears old clothes because they get covered in colors.
• Holi is a joyful time to spread love and friendship.
• People say "Happy Holi" to wish others a fun day.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th to January 1st.

• It honors African heritage and culture.
• The holiday lasts seven days, and each day has a special principle.
• The principles are things like unity, creativity, and faith.
• People light candles in a holder called a kinara each day.
• Families share meals with foods like sweet potatoes and greens.
• They tell stories, sing songs, and give homemade gifts.
• Kwanzaa is a time to learn about African traditions and community.
• People say "Habari Gani" to ask about the day’s principle.

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is celebrated in January or February.

• It marks the start of a new year based on the moon’s calendar.
• Many Asian communities, like Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese, celebrate it.
• People clean their homes to bring good luck for the new year.
• They decorate with red lanterns, banners, and flowers.
• Families give red envelopes with money for good fortune.
• They eat special foods like dumplings, noodles, and rice cakes.
• Parades with dragon and lion dances are popular.
• Lunar New Year is a time for family, luck, and new beginnings.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a Muslim holiday that lasts for one month.

• It happens at different times each year, based on the moon.
• People fast, which means they don’t eat or drink from sunrise to sunset.
• Fasting helps people focus on prayer and being kind.
• Families gather to eat a meal called iftar when the sun sets.
• They also eat a small meal called suhoor before sunrise.
• People pray more and read the Quran, a holy book.
• Ramadan ends with a big celebration called Eid al-Fitr.
• It is a time to grow closer to God and help others.

Rosh Hashanah

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

• It marks the beginning of a time to think about the past year.
• People go to synagogue to pray and hear the shofar, a ram’s horn.
• They eat sweet foods like apples dipped in honey for a sweet year.
• Families share meals with foods like round bread called challah.
• Some people do a ceremony called Tashlich by throwing crumbs into water.
• This helps them let go of mistakes from the past year.
• Rosh Hashanah is a time for new beginnings and being kind.
• People say "Shanah Tovah" to wish a good new year.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November.

• It is a time to give thanks for food, family, and friends.
• People remember a meal shared by Pilgrims and Native Americans long ago.
• Families gather for a big feast with foods like turkey, stuffing, and pie.
• Some people share what they are thankful for at the table.
• Many watch parades or football games on Thanksgiving Day.
• Some volunteer to help others, like serving food at shelters.
• Thanksgiving is about being grateful and spending time together.
• People decorate with pumpkins, leaves, and autumn colors.