Winter Holidays

Americans celebrate several different holidays throughout the winter months:

• Christmas Day - is December 25. It is a Christian holiday marking the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Hanukkah - is the annual Jewish festival of rededication, celebrated on eight successive days beginning on the 25th day of Kislev, the third month of the Jewish calendar.
• Kwanzaa - is an African-American cultural holiday that intertwines African traditions with American customs.
• New Year's Day - is January 1. The celebration of this holiday begins the night before, when Americans gather to wish each other a happy and prosperous coming year.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting took place on the Ellipse in President's Park in the District of Columbia on December 1 at 4:30 p.m. ET. You can  watch video of the lighting ceremony .

Additional Resources:

• The 2011 Holiday Season
• Free 2011 Holiday Publications
• NORAD Tracks Santa
• Snowflakes for Kids
• Find Holiday Gifts
• Winter Fire Safety Tips
• Winter Holiday Safety Tips
• Popular New Year's Resolutions