There are so many holidays that people celebrate for one reason or another.  If it is due to their religion, nationality or where they currently live or have lived.  Everyone has a reason to celebrate at one time or another.  It brings friends and family together if for no other reason.  Although, some cultures believe that holidays should not be necessary to bring family and friends together, that everyday should be a celebration.
Christmas celebrated by Christians throughout the world is the day that commemorates the birth of Jesus.  Although mostly celebrated on December 25, the exact day of the birth is not known.  Some suggest the day was chosen nine months after they suspected Jesus had been conceived.  Regardless, this day is one of the most joyful days of the year, even for non-Christians.  Popular customs that are part of this holiday include gift giving, greeting cards, holiday music, a festive meal, church celebrations, a reenactment of the story of the birth of Jesus.  Christmas decorations can include lights, Christmas trees, santa claus and snowman.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed the last Monday of May.  Originally it was called Decoration Day which was first enacted to honor soldiers who died in the American Civil War.  It was later extended to honor soldiers that have died in all wars. This is when it was named Memorial Day.  Typical events to honor the day are parades, barbeques, and family get togethers.  This three day weekend is often a time for camping trips and getaways for family and friends.  Not to forget the purpose of the day, the gravestones of the soldiers buried in Arlington Memorial Cemetery, located in Virginia, are decorated with US flags.
Halloween, celebrated on October 31 each year is a day of costumes, masks, trick or treating and parties.  It is thought that Halloween originated as a day to invite the spirits of ancestors both good and evil to come back from the dead.  The costumes and masks were worn as a way to hide from the evil spirits.  Today, however, there are costumes parties, pumpkin carving, apple bobbing, and scary music used to celebrate this day.  Unfortunately, most public schools do not allow for this celebration anymore as there are some that consider this a day to worship Satan and therefore, don’t believe that it should be celebrated in the schools.
Easter is the holiday celebrated by most Christians around the world acknowledging the day that Jesus was resurrected from the dead.  The date of this holiday varies between March 22 and April 25 each year because it is dependent on when the full moon has risen last. This is why it is called a moveable feast.   In today’s society Easter is depicted by the Easter Bunny, Easter Egg Hunts and the coloring of Easter Eggs.  These activities are celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike.  However, it is said that this is the most holy of holidays and even those that don’t attend church regularly are likely to attend on Easter.