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July 2nd

In a letter to his wife Abigail, John Adams predicted that July 2nd would go down in history. Why? Well, because that's the day in 1776 when the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain. But while the vote happened on the 2nd, the text of the Declaration of Independence wasn't approved until the 4th, so that's the date we celebrate.

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Secret signers

The signing of the Declaration of Independence wasn't as simple as it might seem. In fact, signatures were added over time, from July to August. In addition, the names of the signers were kept secret from the public for six months. Why? Because if the fight for independence had failed, those who signed the document would have been labeled traitors, and under British law, that meant a punishment of death.

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Washington invites

In the middle of the Revolutionary War, 1778 marked the second anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. As Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, George Washington wasn't about to let the anniversary go unnoticed, so he ordered a double ration of rum for his soldiers to celebrate the holiday.

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Something written on the back

There's actually something written on the back of the Declaration of Independence. This handwritten note appears upside down at the bottom of the back of the parchment, and it reads: "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th July 1776." Just like we label the files we save on our computers today, it's believed they added the note to help identify the original document from other copies.

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We are many more now

Many courageous people did everything they could to make the Independence dream a reality and help the nation grow. And it did grow. While there's no exact official data from that time, the US Census Bureau estimates that about 2.5 million people lived in America in 1776. By the most recent census in 2020, that number had grown to about 332 million.

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John Adams' idea

It's hard to imagine the 4th of July without the classic barbecues, parades, and -of course- fireworks lighting up the sky. But even though these traditions are now staples, there was a first time for all of them. It's said that John Adams himself, in that letter to his wife Abigail, suggested using fireworks and illuminations to celebrate this important day.

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Busy hospitals

While fireworks are beautiful and help raise patriotic spirit during Independence Day celebrations, it's also true that they can sometimes be dangerous. In fact, it's been reported that hospitals see more patients than usual on July 4th due to fireworks-related injuries.

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Thomas Jefferson's laptop

Of course, laptops didn't exist at the time of the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence, but that's a fun way to describe the lap desk Thomas Jefferson used to write it. That's right: The father of the Declaration of Independence didn't need a grand marble desk or anything fancy to put his ideas into words.

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Surprising coincidences

The 4th of July isn't just the day America officially declared its independence; it also holds some incredible historical coincidences. On Independence Day in 1826, both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died, exactly 50 years after the birth of the nation they helped create. Five years later, in 1831, James Monroe became the third president to die on the 4th of July.

But it's not all about endings: President Calvin Coolidge was born on the 4th of July, 1872, making him the only US president born on Independence Day.

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Millions of hot dogs

It's clear we Americans love hot dogs, and for good reason. This iconic food is closely tied to one of the most important days in our nation's history. According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (yes, that's a real thing), Americans typically eat around 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day alone.

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#15 - Die Hard (1988)

Image: Jodie Walton

Is it a Christmas movie? That’s a long-held debate surrounding the famous action thriller. But the truth remains: rewatches of Die Hard spike around the holiday season, making it the 15th most-watched movie annually.

After all, John McClane’s heroics to defend Nakatomi Plaza from Hans Gruber do take place during a holiday party . Even the sequel is set, once again, on Christmas Eve.

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# 14 - When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Image: JESHOOTS.COM

A beloved rom-com featuring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan: some argue it’s not strictly a holiday film, but hey, it does have a pivotal New Year’s Eve scene . That’s enough to make it a cozy, rewatchable option for the season.

When asked about his favorite quote from the movie, Crystal said, "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

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# 13 - Scrooged (1988)

Image: LILLIT

Of course, Bill Murray's modern-day take on A Christmas Carol made the list. This '80s satire brings laughs to the timeless story of redemption.

In this version, a TV executive transforms from selfish to sincere after encountering a particularly violent Ghost of Christmas Present. A memorable moment from the movie is Frank’s heartfelt broadcast, "It’s Christmas Eve. It’s the one night when we all act a little nicer ."

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# 12 - White Christmas (1954)

Image: David Beale

White Christmas is a musical that blends romance, humor, and, of course, iconic songs like the titular tune and "Sisters."

Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye star as two showbiz buddies who team up with singing sisters—played by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen—to save a struggling Vermont inn. Audiences keep returning to this classic for its Technicolor charm and a touch of holiday nostalgia.

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# 11 - The Holiday (2006)

Image: Annie Spratt

The holidays, as told from a small English village and L.A. simultaneously. This 2006 movie, in which Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz swap homes across continents , quickly became a beloved classic.

With its cozy English countryside setting, dreamy L.A. vibes, and plenty of holiday cheer, The Holiday is a festive favorite for anyone who believes in personal growth and serendipitous love stories.

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# 10 - Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Image: Alicia Slough

In this 1947 film, Kris Kringle, played by Edmund Gwenn, must prove in court that he is the real Santa Claus . The movie also features a young Natalie Wood as Susan, a precocious girl whose belief in Santa—and magic—is eventually restored.

A feel-good story that questions the existence of Santa, this classic beautifully intertwines a court case with holiday charm and a message of faith.

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# 9 - Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Image: Earl Wilcox

One of the most recognizable Christmas characters, Frosty the Snowman—the hero of the titular song—was brought to life in animated form, complete with his pipe and iconic hat.

A gem released in the late ‘60s, this TV special tells the magical story of the jolly snowman brought to life by a hat , who, aided by children, embarks on a quest to avoid melting.

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# 8 - The Santa Clause (1994)

Image: Mitya Ivanov

In this well-known comedy, a divorced dad—played by Tim Allen—transforms into Santa Claus and must take on his role to preserve the Santa mythos .

Of course, this comedy holiday feature wouldn’t be complete without heartfelt father-and-son moments. Or hilarious sleigh ride scenes!

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# 7 - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Image: Alex Stone

Jim Carrey is a mean one in this portrayal of Dr. Seuss’s anti-holiday hero ! Although the actor has shared many stories about how grueling it was to film the entire movie wearing the heavy costume—especially during the hot months—no one can argue that this film has become one of the most memorable and rewatched Christmas comedies.

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# 6 - National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Image: Inna Lesyk

Chevy Chase stars in this comedy about a disaster-prone dad trying to create a perfect family Christmas. From setting up over-the-top house lights to dealing with the chaotic Cousin Eddie, people love returning to this classic for its laugh-out-loud moments.

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# 5 - A Christmas Story (1983)

Image: Erica Marsland Huynh

Simple: Ralphie wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Is he going to get it? This movie, set in 1940s Indiana, is full of nostalgia , humor, and iconic scenes like the infamous leg lamp and triple-dog dares.

Fans adore A Christmas Story for its dry humor and the way it captures childhood anticipation during the holidays.

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# 4 - The Polar Express (2004)

Image: Matt Flores

All aboard! This animated film, featuring Tom Hanks in several adult roles, has become ingrained in the memories of millions of kids and their families.

Based on the beloved book, the movie follows a child who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole , where, hopefully, he will start believing in the magic of Santa Claus again.

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# 3 - It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Image: Josh Harrison

This wasn’t an immediate hit, but it became a holiday icon through the magic of TV reruns. In this classic, James Stewart plays George, a man who discovers his worth after an angel shows him what life would be like if he had never been born .

Everybody loves the yearly reminder of the impact that one’s life can have—and of the power of kindness.

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# 2 - Elf (2003)

Image: Rajesh Kavasseri

Will Ferrell’s elfish character takes second place as the most-watched holiday movie every year. In it, a human raised by elves heads to New York to find his biological father.

Slapstick comedy meets wholesome Christmas charm in this holiday staple. Audiences love it for its whimsical humor and quotable lines.

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#1 - Home Alone (1990)

Image: Juliana Malta

Did you guess it? The first place on this list goes to the adventures of young Kevin McCallister. He is left behind when his family goes on holiday and has to set up endless booby traps to defend himself and his home from burglars .

This holiday classic eventually became a franchise, but it was the original Home Alone , starring Macaulay Culkin, that became a perennial favorite.

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New York-style Pizza

Image: Alex Haney

Let’s start with a city synonymous with excellent pizza . New York-style pizza is an iconic variety, universally recognizable for its thin crust, delicious sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Nothing says New York City as folding a mouth-watering slice and enjoying this delicacy while the sounds of "The City that Never Sleeps" seem to fade in the background.

New York style is remarkably similar to the Neapolitan style, an Italian recipe considered by many to be close to perfection . Many historians believe that Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so it seems almost poetic that what many consider to be the first truly American style was inspired by this iconic city.

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Chicago-style pizza

Image: Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar

Unlike its New York City counterpart, the Windy City’s pizza has no Italian ancestor. While its exact origins are still debated, we do know that Chicago-style pizza was developed at some point between the 1920s and 1940s. However our Italian friends might feel about this style, the good people of Chicago proudly stand by this beloved deep-dish, high-edge cheesy treat.

One of the most interesting things about Chicago-style pizza is how it turns around the traditional way in which pizza ingredients are placed: Its chunky tomato sauce covers the copious amounts of cheese used. The result is a hearty and delicious meal , sought after by both locals and tourists alike.

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Pepperoni

Image: Alan Hardman

While no one can deny that Italy is the birthplace of pizza, this delicious ingredient comes straight from America . Granted, it is a variation of the Italian salami invented by immigrants in New York City at the start of the 20th century, but it has grown to become one of the most iconic toppings associated with American pizza.

Pepperoni comes from " peperoni ," which is the Italian word for "bell peppers". This spicy sausage is fairly similar to the salamis from Southern Italy, like " salsiccia" or " soppressata ."

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California style pizza

Image: Prayitno

This is one of the youngest entities on this list. In the 1980s, several California chefs simultaneously came up with a new idea for pizza: a pie that combines New York’s thin crust with traditional toppings from California cuisine. The result is known as the California-style pizza, an amalgamation of traditional characteristics and innovative new flavors .

Among the many toppings that might be included in this type of pizza, a few that particularly stand out are zucchini flowers, smoked salmon, eggs, and bacon. However, perhaps the most well-known contribution from this style is the now-iconic barbecue chicken pizza , created by chef Ed LaDou in 1985.

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Detroit Style

Image: Parker Hilton

If Detroit-style pizza teaches us anything, is that pizza is delicious no matter which shape it’s in . Known for its characteristic rectangular shape, this variety’s crust resembles a typical focaccia , a type of Italian bread. It was created in the 1940s, allegedly invented in a former speakeasy at the corner of Six Mile Road and Conant Street.

Interestingly, the unusual shape of this delicious pizza is associated with Detroit’s impressive automotive industry. Many believe that the first pies of this style were baked in steel trays used in car factories, either as dripping pans or to hold small parts.

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Famous Pizza Places

Image: Dylan Mullins

In 1905, Italian immigrant Gennaro Lombardi opened the very first pizza restaurant in America, located in the heart of Manhattan. And while the still-operational Lombardi’s was the first American parlor, it certainly wasn’t the last. Let’s take a memento to recognize a few of the very best pizza places America has to offer.

If you are looking for an unusual yet unforgettable pie, you might want to visit Frank Pepe's in New Haven, Connecticut, and try their unique clam pizza, topped with olive oil, garlic, and freshly shucked clams. Should you want a nice deep-dish pizza, try the original Uno Pizzeria & Grill, which claims to be the birthplace of Chicago-style pizza . Or, if you want to stick with a classic, you can always visit Lombardi’s and try their 119-year-old recipe.

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Hawaiian pizza

Image: bckfwd

The origins of this pizza are controversial , and almost as divisive as this peculiar flavor is. For starters, let’s start with the elephant in the room: This pizza was not invented in America. It was created by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek-born Canadian cook who wished to experiment with sweet and savory flavors and decided to try adding bits of pineapple to a ham pizza.

However, this pizza is named after America’s 50th state for a reason, since pineapples are probably Hawaii’s most iconic product . In fact, Panopoulos named his creation after the brand of canned pineapple he was using at the time. In any case, the matter of whether Hawaiian pizza was a hit or a miss is still debatable. Some praise its unique taste, while others openly loathe it.

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Pizza Chains

Image: Alexandra Gorn

After the American public was introduced to it in the 20th century, pizza unsurprisingly became an extremely profitable consumer good. In the 1960s, many now-massive pizza chains came into existence, providing the market with a massively popular and easily produced fast food.

Just to name a few, brands like Pizza Hut, Domino’s or Little Caesar’s became household names in no time. Besides their massive success and worldwide locations, these pizza chains share a common characteristic: they all started as small businesses, that eventually became beloved behemoths through hard work and resilience.

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Tomato pie

Image: NASA

Just like with Hawaiian pizza, prepare for a controversial subject , which can be summed up into a single, self-contained question: Are tomato pies pizzas? Let’s see the arguments for both sides. On one hand, tomato pies are usually not served straight from the oven, and in some areas, they are even completely cheeseless. On the other, we can take an "if it looks like a duck" mentality regarding tomato pies: If they look like pizza and taste like pizza, then how can we consider them anything else but pizza?

In any case, whatever classification this tasty treat might fall into, it should be said that tomato pies are a must-try delicacy while visiting the Northeastern United States. They are also known as bakery pizza and church pie in Rhode Island and Philadelphia.

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Pizza Delivery

Image: Rowan Freeman

The history of pizza wouldn’t be complete without the advent of this game-changing innovation. Deliveries allowed us to enjoy all the cheesy goodness of pizza in the comfort and convenience of our homes. A lot could be said about the unsung heroes who made pizza and movie nights possible, so we’ll pay tribute to them by retelling two turning points in pizza delivery history.

In 1994, Pizza Hut made history by launching the very first viable online ordering system. While primitive, this service registered thousands of orders: To this date, Pizza Hut claims that the very first online purchase ever was a Pizza Hut pizza. Not content with this record, in 2001 Pizza Hut decided to go against "the Final Frontier" and delivered a salami pizza to the International Space Station, the very first pizza successfully delivered to outer space.