1. Tailgating Before Sports Events
In the U.S., tailgating is more than just eating in the parking lot; it’s a full-on social event that often starts hours before a game. People show up in their team gear, grilling burgers, drinking beers, and playing cornhole, creating a carnival-like atmosphere. It’s not just about the game—it’s a tradition that binds communities and allows people to come together in excitement and camaraderie. Outsiders may be puzzled by the idea of making an event out of the time spent before the actual game, but it’s a beloved American pastime.
It’s not unusual for these tailgates to feel like a mini festival. People bring all sorts of elaborate spreads, from homemade chili to gourmet sandwiches, all while blasting stadium anthems. It’s a phenomenon that’s evolved into a full-day event for some, making outsiders scratch their heads at how much preparation goes into “just a warm-up” to the game. Still, for most fans, it’s just as important as the game itself.
2. The Thanksgiving Feast
Thanksgiving dinner is a massive, all-day affair where the centerpiece is typically a giant roast turkey, but the meal includes an overwhelming amount of sides. Mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie—there’s so much food that it can be hard to even get through half of it. To outsiders, this massive meal, paired with the tradition of stuffing oneself before lounging around on the couch, seems strange. The idea of such a huge dinner to commemorate a historical event is a bit perplexing, especially when they realize it often centers around overeating.
While it may seem bizarre to people from other cultures where festive meals are smaller or more balanced, the tradition of overindulging is deeply ingrained in the U.S. Thanksgiving has become a time to show gratitude with food, family, and friends. The post-feast nap is almost a universal experience, symbolizing the holiday’s indulgence. For many Americans, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the meal; it’s about traditions, family bonds, and the inevitable food coma that follows.
3. Gender Reveal Parties
Gender reveal parties have exploded in popularity over the past few years, but the concept may seem outlandish to those unfamiliar with the American culture. These parties are all about revealing the sex of an unborn child—usually through a creative reveal, like cutting a cake with pink or blue frosting, or even setting off colored smoke bombs. For outsiders, this may seem excessive—why make such a big deal about something that’s typically a private or simple revelation?
While the excitement over the baby’s gender might seem strange, it taps into the American love for celebration and spectacle. People go all out with decorations, party favors, and themes just to share a moment of joy. It may not make sense to those from cultures where gender is not emphasized, but for many Americans, it’s an opportunity to throw a party and connect with loved ones, making a moment feel momentous.
4. Black Friday Shopping
Black Friday is notorious for the chaotic shopping frenzy that follows Thanksgiving, where people camp out at stores or wake up in the middle of the night to score huge discounts. Outsiders often find it difficult to comprehend the madness of waiting hours to purchase items for a fraction of the price. Why would anyone want to battle the crowds and risk injury just for a discount? For many Americans, it’s about more than just shopping; it’s an adrenaline rush and a way to kick off the holiday season.
What’s even stranger is the competition involved. Shoppers often plan their strategy months ahead, analyzing sales and even navigating through store layouts to maximize their time. While it may look like chaos to those who aren’t used to it, Black Friday has become a cultural event that’s intertwined with Thanksgiving itself. To outsiders, it’s hard to fathom why people would trade sleep for discounts, but for many Americans, it’s a tradition that’s as much about the thrill of the hunt as it is about the bargains.
5. Super Bowl Sunday
The Super Bowl isn’t just a football game; for many, it’s a reason to throw a party, wear team colors, and indulge in every kind of snack imaginable. It’s one of the few moments where Americans gather to watch a single event on television, creating a sense of unity across the country. But for outsiders, the obsession with the Super Bowl can seem odd—especially the hype around the halftime show, the commercials, and the fact that people often treat it as a national holiday.
What makes it even stranger is that the focus isn’t just on the game itself. For many Americans, the social experience of watching the game with friends and family, eating wings and pizza, and participating in bets is what makes it special. The cultural importance placed on the Super Bowl as a cornerstone of American entertainment may leave outsiders questioning why the country treats it as a bigger event than some national holidays.
6. The College Football Culture
Much like professional sports, college football games in the U.S. come with their own set of pre-game rituals, particularly tailgating. However, what sets college tailgates apart is the intense rivalry and the sheer size of the gatherings. Fans of college teams often start tailgating at the crack of dawn, setting up elaborate tents, grills, and sometimes even entire bars in the parking lot of the stadium. For outsiders, the notion of spending the entire day preparing for a game—especially a non-professional one—may seem over the top.
But for many Americans, college football is more than just a sport; it’s a deeply ingrained cultural experience. The rivalries between schools run deep, and tailgating is an essential part of that experience, representing a chance to bond with fellow fans and celebrate school spirit. Outsiders might find it hard to understand why people dedicate so much time and effort to a sporting event, but for college football enthusiasts, it’s an unmissable tradition.