Category: Annual Monthly or Day Observance

  • Memorial Day

    Memorial Day

    Memorial Day Photo by Sharon Schweitzer As Memorial Day approaches in the U.S., our readers inquire about its meaning and history. We created this fun quiz about its culture and background. Find out how much you know with these ten quiz questions!   ____ 1. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1922.…

  • Czechia in Focus: Olympics, Culture, and National Headlines

    Czechia in Focus: Olympics, Culture, and National Headlines

    Czechia in Focus: Olympics, Culture, and National Headlines Image by: https://www.czechcenter.org/blog/2022/5/27/the-czech-flag-a-century-of-waving   From record-breaking Olympic participation to cultural milestones and shifting consumer trends, the Czech Republic is making headlines at home and abroad. As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Czech athletes, public figures and everyday citizens together highlight the events…

  • 2025 Holiday Tipping Guide

    2025 Holiday Tipping Guide

    2025 Holiday Tipping Guide Photo by https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/news/holiday-tipping-survey/   In Canada, Boxing Day occurs on December 26, a holiday that many Canadians use to tip those who make their lives easier. In Mexico, Aguinaldo (Ah-gee-nahl-doh), represents an annual Christmas bonus equivalent to at least 15 days’ wages that companies are required to pay their employees before…

  • 5 German Christmas Traditions 2025

    5 German Christmas Traditions 2025

    5 German Christmas Traditions 2025   In Germany, Christmas decorations appear before December 1. Many Germans take pleasure in beautiful scenes with the snow-covered straße (streets), colorful lights, Christmas-themed markets, and warm treats. My father’s side of the family is German, and we enjoy many German traditions. It is these country customs and the cultural…

  • Unique Czech Christmas Traditions

    Unique Czech Christmas Traditions

    Unique Czech Christmas Traditions                                                                             Joza Upraka Exhibit at National Gallery 2011   The Czech Republic is recognized…

  • Dignity and Grace: 6 Tips for Attending Funerals

    Dignity and Grace: 6 Tips for Attending Funerals

    Dignity and Grace: 6 Tips for Attending Funerals Photo by Polina Anastassieva   By Sharon Schweitzer   Family members and friends who have lost a loved one truly appreciate when others take the time and effort to attend a funeral or memorial service. There’s seldom a season or anticipated date for losing a loved one,…

  • Memorial Day

    Memorial Day

    Memorial Day    As Memorial Day approaches in the U.S., our readers inquire about its meaning and history. We created this fun quiz about its culture and background. Find out how much you know with these ten quiz questions!   ____ 1. The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1922. ____ 2. Memorial…

  • Ways to Celebrate National Law Week 2025

    Ways to Celebrate National Law Week 2025

    Ways to Celebrate National Law Week 2025                                                         Image Credit: Sharon Schweitzer, South Texas College of Law, January 2025   As an attorney, author, and cross-cultural consultant, National…

  • Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month: 4 Ways to Celebrate 2025

    Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month: 4 Ways to Celebrate 2025

    Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month: 4 Ways to Celebrate 2025   Since 1979, U.S. Americans have celebrated the contributions and culture of Asian-Pacific Americans in our country’s history. Originally a ten-day celebration in May, in 1990, the observance was extended to include the entire month as Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month was signed into law. May includes…

  • International Sculpture Day

    International Sculpture Day

    International Sculpture Day   By Sharon Schweitzer   Sculpture has personal significance for me and my Czech – Slovak family. This beautiful mother with children piece was created by my great-uncle Franta Uprka in the Moravian region of the Czech Republic near the Slovak border. I discovered this piece 10 years ago when I was…