The US is a place of some pretty interesting customs. Some of these traditions are so eccentric that they could be jarring to visitors. We have our own way of being proud of our nation and family traditions. This is part of what makes American culture so special. Here are 12 over-the-top American habits that most visitors scratch their heads at.
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High School Prom Like a Hollywood Premiere
American prom night is like a red-carpet affair. High school students do their hair and dress up, book limos and get professional pictures taken. There’s so much expectation of getting it right for this one night. They turn this simple school event into a big deal.
Turning 16 with a Huge Sweet Sixteen Party
In the US, being 16 is a big deal. Some families organize huge “Sweet Sixteen” parties with a theme, DJ and even big gifts like cars. This teenage fete always feels a bit over the top for people from other countries.
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Super Bowl Sunday Obsession
The Super Bowl — the National Football League’s title game — is a cultural spectacle. Americans sit around to watch the game, eat snacks and make bets. The country comes to a standstill. People from other countries simply cannot understand this fervor for a sport they just don’t understand.
Thanksgiving Feast as Big as Christmas
Thanksgiving is a family holiday when all come together to give thanks. The main event of the day is a large meal of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing & pumpkin pie. It’s a holiday that centers around gratitude and family. It’s as big as Christmas in America.
Black Friday Shopping Frenzy
The day after Thanksgiving, Americans go on a shopping spree, called Black Friday. Stores offer massive discounts, which leads to crowds, chaos, and sometimes even injuries. People camp out overnight to be the first in line for the best deals. It’s quite a mad spectacle for visitors who’ve never seen anything like it.
The Presidential Turkey Pardon
Every year, the U.S. President pardons a turkey, preventing it from being Thanksgiving dinner. It has been an annual tradition since the 1980s. The pardoned turkey is usually taken away to a farm, where it can spend the rest of its days in peace. Weird? Yes! Heartwarming? Maybe!
Homecoming Parades and Pep Rallies
Homecoming is a very special high school and college tradition. The students vote for a “king” and “queen.” And there’s even a big parade! Towns even hold pep rallies. For foreigners, it’s crazy how enthusiastic a school event can be.
Fourth of July Fireworks and BBQs
Every Fourth of July, Americans do fireworks, parades & barbecues. The whole country is celebrating. There are tons of flags and red, white, & blue everywhere. People are so excited about Independence Day. Independence days aren’t this much of a family affair in many countries.
Elaborate Halloween Celebrations
Halloween is a beloved celebration in the US. Kids wear costumes and go door-to-door yelling ‘Trick or treat!’ for candy. Even the adults have their share of parties and haunted houses. Halloween is the holiday for children and adults to have some fun. Nowhere else is it celebrated with such enthusiasm.
Tailgating Before Football Games
American football fans make car parks into barbecues before a football game. They grill, they drink beer and they root for their teams – sometimes well before the game even begins. It’s a social event as much as it is an athletic one. Something most visitors have never ever seen.
Over-the-Top Christmas Light Displays
Christmas decorating in the US is no easy feat. Some of us convert our homes into grand light shows with music and moving figures. Even neighbors compete to see who can go bigger. It’s a good spectacle, although a little too much for foreigners.
Baby Gender Reveal Parties
Americans hold huge parties these days to find out a baby’s sex. People blow up balloons or slice cakes to show pink or blue in front of everyone. It’s no longer a private affair – it’s a public spectacle. And for some it’s a bit much.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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