Instructions During this era the culture was changing. Christmas and Thanksgivin

Instructions
During this era the culture was changing. Christmas and Thanksgiving became national holidays (THANK YOU PRESIDENT GRANT). Other holidays and special days would be created, some to make certain immigrant groups feel a part of this country. We now have all sorts of special months or days designed to help American society become more inclusive.
Take one of these days, or months, and find out the beginnings of its celebration in the United States. The exceptions will be holidays that celebrate the USA so NO to the 4th of July, NO to Memorial Day, NO to Veterans Day, NO to President Day or No to Thanksgiving. Don’t do those. Don’t. Celebrate them just don’t do them for this assignment. Don’t.
It does NOT have to be a day off holiday, it can just be a special day of commemoration. 
Why did it become a celebration? When did it become a celebration? What immigrant or group of people was it created to celebrate? Give a few reasons why. Cynical political calculations are a good reason, if someone was trying to woo voters that is a legitimate reason. I am looking at you Columbus Day.
Answer this in about 250 words.
I want source notes (not to be included in your word count) either footnotes or a bibliography source). Wikipedia is OK with me for this assignment.