History of American Holidays

This book reveals the overall connection between American holidays, history, culture, and patriotism. Each chapter presents an interesting home-spun account of the holiday's unique history and its ties to America's social and cultural fabric. History of American Holidays brings Americans together with inspirational and thought-provoking stories about sixteen holidays, including in this second edition, the new Juneteenth holiday and an expanded piece on the Fourth of July. Each chapter presents an approachable short read that leaves the reader with an 'I didn't know that' moment as well as a sense of patriotic gratitude. Did you know....?* Martin Luther King was a child genius* Memorial Day grew from similar and independent small gatherings of healing after the Civil War* Labor Day celebrates successful and often violent protests in the 1800s to attain the 8-hour workday.* Christmas was outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681. Fortunately, the birth of Jesus Christ and Santa Claus have prevailed. Perfect for the plane ride or bedside reading, Holidays has a gift book quality that is suitable for those interested in American culture as well as history.