A country that is too large in area and ethnic composition cannot be homogeneous in terms of customs and traditions. The population of the States was formed over several centuries from the first settlers, emigrants of several waves and indigenous people, and therefore the culture and traditions of the United States are very diverse. Here immigrants from Europe and China, Mexico and Africa live peacefully, and there are tens and even hundreds of restaurants with different cuisine in every major city. However, those who have long considered the United States as their home have developed certain habits and rules of behavior by which it is quite easy to recognize a resident of New York, Miami or San Francisco.
The smile will brighten everyone
This is the rule that US residents adhere to in daily communication. It is customary here to smile when meeting neighbors and even strangers. It is also advisable to say hello and say goodbye when entering a store or pharmacy, especially since the sellers will do it first.
By the way, stores in the US are closed only on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and on Sundays, their opening hours are only slightly shortened. Shopping is America's national pastime, and housewives across the country are in a rush to update their collections of linen, tableware, furniture, and footwear at least twice a year. The return of a product that has not come up for some reason is possible even after a few months, if it does not concern expensive equipment and electronics. That is why the US tradition of queuing at the checkout after the big holidays to get money for gifts that they don't like is also flourishing.
Pumpkin wreaths
For any of the holidays, residents of the States begin to prepare in advance. Sometimes it seems that the whole year consists of preparing for the holidays and their smooth flow from one to the other. On the front lawns, Christmas deer, Easter bunnies, blue-white-red installations in honor of independence and Halloween witches with pumpkins at the ready replace each other. Wreaths of similar content adorn the doors of houses and institutions.
Summer holidays are accompanied by outdoor barbecues. The backyard grill is another US tradition that allows you to have picnics from the comfort of your own backyard.
And the residents of the States love to turn into an Irish on St. Patrick's Day, love not only hamburgers, but also Thai cuisine, clean up after their pets and happily help a tourist who has lost his way in the city. It is in the tradition of the United States to be friendly and welcoming.
