MY Culture
Mrs. Laura Campbell
Marriage Customs: Tying That Knot
We had a traditional wedding in a chapel followed by a reception with dancing and dinner. We cut our wedding cake together while friends and family toasted to our new life together. We danced our first dance as a married couple to Tony Bennett's version of "The Way you Look Tonight."
Literature
Literature is one of my passions, so I place a high cultural value on reading while many other Americans do not. I read for pleasure because I enjoy the adventure and escape from my everyday life. I also read to appear “well-read” and educated. I prefer to read fiction, usually novels.
A recent trend in reading is the book club where friends gather to discuss books they read between meetings. Lately my book club has been interested in books about Vampires and books that are being made into feature films. Since J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter, more American writers have also written novels in series format. Dystopian novels like the Hunger Games and Divergent are also popular in America.
Holidays
Holidays in the United States are a time to gather with friends and family, share delicious food, and impress your neighbors with superior decorations! I grew up in a Christian family, so holidays like Easter have a special religious meaning to me. I also enjoy secular holidays like the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving. Other holidays, like Christmas, have roots in Christianity, but have come to symbolize many broader values as well. I like that many holidays in the US correspond with a particular season. My favorite holiday is Christmas because of the lights, wreaths, trees, and garlands that bring celebration into the home. I also enjoy the Christmas tradition of giving gifts and receiving presents from Santa Clause. I like the whimsy and fantasy associated with American holidays, even if some view it as cheesy or commercial.