As an international student in America it is often necessary to spend some holidays in the United States. Some of these observances can be quite confusing. There are various types of holidays in the United States. State holidays affect state government offices and some schools.
Some holidays are religious and national.
Some orthodox religions may have the religious observances on different days. Other holidays relate to famous events and people in United States history. People all over the country get the day off to honor men like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Presidents Washington and Lincoln. America has a steady stream of holidays and observances throughout the year, many patriotic or simply commercial in theme. This celebration actually begins the night before on New Year's Eve.