America is a vast cultural center for a wide variety of ethnic groups. Each religion has important sacred holidays that its members celebrate annually. Several of these religious holidays are recognized nationwide. There are only two federal observed religious holidays in the United States, and both are Christian holidays. Many other non-Christian religious holidays hold significance to millions of Americans.

Easter
Easter is a nationally recognized holiday in the United States that falls on a Sunday in either March or April. The date varies depending on the calendar; it is the Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon date for the year. Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus. Christians gather with family and friends at church to celebrate this spiritual holiday. For many non-Christians in American this is a festive day involving egg coloring, egg rolling contests and egg hunts. American children receive Easter baskets filled with an assortment of candy, like chocolate bunnies and jelly beans. It is a tradition for both Christians and non-Christians to gather with family for a feast. This meal usually consists of a roast, lamb or ham.

Christmas
Christmas occurs every year on December 25 and is a nationally observed Christian holiday in America. Christmas commemorates the birth of baby Jesus and is one of the most religious days for Christians. For non-Christians, Christmas is a commercialized holiday that includes gatherings of family and friends and feasts of large meals. Christmas traditions in America include Santa Claus, Christmas stockings hung near the fireplace, the decorated Christmas tree, exchanging gifts, sleigh rides, and huge Christmas light displays.

Yom Kippur
• Judaism is the second largest religion in the United States according to Adherents.com. Yom Kippur is the most significant holy day in the Jewish religion. This Jewish holiday represents a day of atonement and abstinence for Jewish people. Yom Kippur is widely believed by rabbis to stem from the 10th day of Tishrei when Moses returned with the second set of commandments from God. This was a sign that God had forgiven the sin of the Golden Calf, according to myjewishlearning.com. Jewish people spend the day fasting, praying and meditating. The Jewish synagogue celebrates this holiday with five different services.