What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
In Europe, washing machines and clothes dryers tend to be much smaller than they are in the US, taking a lot more time to clean and dry clothes. In fact, clothes dryers aren't that common, with most people line-drying outside.
Those Americans in Europe who do find a tumble dryer might notice it takes twice as long to dry the same amount of clothes, as it uses less electricity. American tumble dryers have the edge here!
This is in contrast to Europe, where many people rely on home fans that circulate warm air around, or stone buildings, to stay cool.
Air conditioning is a mainstay of American homes and businesses. In fact, as many as 88% of U.S. households use air conditioning to see them through the warmer months.
It's normal in America to receive drinking water at restaurants that you don't have to pay for or specifically request 'tap,' like you do in many countries in Europe.
In America, you usually don't have to go much further than the nearest store or public space to find a restroom you can use in a hurry.
This isn't the case in Europe. Instead, once you've completed a mission to find a place, you frequently have to pay to use the washroom or buy something at the premises.
No one wants bugs in the house as temperatures rise, and screened windows have been part of US households since the early 20th century. In Europe, they're far less common.
Showers in Europe probably seem on the weak side because they use lower water pressure, in order to save on water usage overall.
Set aside to conserve and preserve natural ecosystems, there are 429 vast, majestic, and grandiose sites of extraordinary natural beauty to explore in the US.
US National Parks are protected areas of recreation spread across the country, presenting stunning and unique landscapes.
Thirty-seven of the world's top 100 universities are found in the US. US universities also tend to be better resourced, with state-of-the-art sports facilities and ample student housing.
They've become an international symbol of US food abroad, thanks to fast food spreading around the world. But burgers just taste better in the US.
People in the US are used to good, friendly customer service, and businesses encourage it, as it's a way to help retain customers and increase revenue.
In comparison, allowing for differences between countries, US visitors to Europe are commonly surprised by the lack of service culture in bars, restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels.
The huge Mexican population, availability of authentic ingredients thanks to climate, and indigenous influence make most Mexican food you find in America far superior to that in Europe.
The cost of living in the US also tends to be higher than in Europe, where the demand for a job tends to determine how much employers are willing to pay.
For skilled and high-paying jobs, there's a big difference between America and Europe: salaries. To hire and keep the best people, employers in the US usually have to pay a higher salary.
Seeing people smoke cigarettes is a much more common occurrence in Europe than in the US, although vaping has become more common in recent years.
It's hard to remember what life was like before modern technology, and guess what? Most of the most popular tech we use today was made in America.
From microwaves to iPhones, not to mention the software that powers our lives (and businesses) day-to-day, the US is a world leader in creating innovative technology.
In many European countries, the culture is more reserved, making it less likely that you'll strike up conversation with a local.
Sources: (The Independent) (Buzzfeed) (SFGate)
Friendliness is a cultural norm in the US. Encountering people who are positive, upbeat, and polite is something that many take for granted.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) sets a standard for accessibility. Public spaces, services, and transportation provide accessibility that helps to create an inclusive environment.
In many places in Europe, the way the cities are historically set up does not support easy accessibility for those with disabilities. Putting new infrastructure in place isn't always straightforward.
Free water at concert venues is also common in the US, while a tiny bottle at a European gig might cost a similar price as an alcoholic beverage.
From Six Flags to Universal Studios, Disneyworld and more, theme parks in the US are enormous and promise days filled with fun.
Some American visitors to Europe have have commented that the water pressure is about as strong as a watering can.
America: the land of the free and the home of the brave. While Europe has a lot of great things going for it, there are other areas where America takes the cake. It's not until traveling or living in Europe that Americans begin to realize how many everyday cultural and societal norms that are part of their lives are completely different abroad... Some for the worse, others for the better.
Curious? Click on to learn the things America does better than Europe.
Things America does better than Europe
In many ways, Europe just can't beat the good old USA!
LIFESTYLE Who's better
America: the land of the free and the home of the brave. While Europe has a lot of great things going for it, there are other areas where America takes the cake. It's not until traveling or living in Europe that Americans begin to realize how many everyday cultural and societal norms that are part of their lives are completely different abroad... Some for the worse, others for the better.
Curious? Click on to learn the things America does better than Europe.