How do they celebrate Christmas in the United States?
Christmas is, without a doubt, the most important holiday in the world. But each country celebrates it in its own way... If you are interested in knowing How do they celebrate Christmas in the United States?, stay.
Below these lines we will tell you what it is like to spend a Christmas there, and we will show you some Differences between American Christmas and those of other countries.
Christmas in the United States begins in November
Christmas is usually associated with the month of December. But in the USA, This celebration begins on the fourth Thursday of November, commemorating Thanksgiving Day.
That day, people gather for family dinner (they generally eat turkey) and, before dinner, they give thanks for the blessings received during the year.
Thanksgiving Day is considered the beginning of the Christmas season in the United States.
Then, in the first days of December, an event known as “The National Christmas Tree Lighting” or lighting the lights of the national Christmas tree.
Over there, The president of this nation lights the lights of the national Christmas tree, which is located in the vicinity of the White House. The lighting of the lights is quite a spectacle, with musical performances and more. People can attend and it is also broadcast on TV.
These two days, Thanksgiving and the lighting of the national Christmas tree, are the ones that mark the beginning of the Christmas celebration in the United States.
From there on, Preparations officially begin to welcome Christmas and the New Year, although really since Halloween ends, beginning the month of November, a Christmas atmosphere can already be felt in the North American country.
The Christmas season is considered over in this country on January 6.
How do they decorate for Christmas in the US?
What is a good Christmas without the decorations? In the USA, as in most countries that celebrate Christmas, It is decorated with ornaments alluding to the period (Santa Claus dolls, nine figures, garlands, colored lights, reindeer, etc.).
Other decorations that are less common in other countries are also used, such as candy canes, socks, cookies, among others.
In the United States, Christmas is not only celebrated by decorating the interior of the houses.They also do it on the outside. In some neighborhoods they even have contests for the best Christmas decorations.
In addition, squares, public places, offices, schools, etc. are decorated. This is why basically Entire cities dress up for Christmas.
Christmas trees in the USA are natural
It is unusual for artificial trees to be used. Generally, families go in search of a tree to places where pine trees are planted specifically to be used as Christmas trees. These sites are known as “Christmas tree farms.”
After choosing the best tree, they take it home to decorate it to their liking with all kinds of ornaments and lights. Of course, the star at the top cannot be missing.
They put mistletoe or “mistletoe” on portals and doors
A very characteristic Christmas decoration in the United States It is the mistletoe on the portals and/or doors.
This, in addition to being a decorative element, It is there because of a well-known tradition.
It is placed over doors and portals because, according to tradition, If two people meet under the mistletoe, they must kiss and then pick a fruit... A good excuse to kiss your crush, don't you think?
They hang socks on the chimneys
You've probably already seen this in Hollywood movies. These socks are not simply a decorative element.
They are put there as part of a tradition called “stocking”, where each member of the family hangs a sock with their name; same where Santa Claus will leave candy, gifts and notes on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve in the United States: December 25 is the most important day
Contrary to other countries, in the United States Families don't get together for dinner on December 24th, they do it on the 25th.
December 24 is rather the day when people take the opportunity to buy gifts. This is why businesses usually work that night until 00:00.
On the morning of the 25th, the children open the gifts that Santa has left them. And, at night, families gather to eat, usually dinner is turkey, mashed potatoes and savory pies.
Each family adds their own touch to dinner, adding more or fewer dishes. Of course, you can't miss the traditional eggnog, a sweet drink that may or may not contain a touch of alcohol (Brandy, Rum or Whiskey).
How do they celebrate New Year's in the USA?
For its part, the last day of the year, December 31, Families gather to celebrate and welcome the new year together.
At 00:00 you can watch fireworks shows, which illuminate the entire sky and give a very emotional celebration atmosphere.
One of the most common traditions this day is Watch the Times Squares ball drop in New York City. This ball begins to descend at 23:59 and reaches the bottom just at 00:00.
So it serves as countdown to the end of a year and the beginning of other. Millions of people in New York witness the fall of this ball live, while millions of other people watch it live on the Internet or TV.
8 Christmas traditions from the USA
Finally, here we tell you some Christmas traditions that Americans have that they usually follow year after year:
- Prepare gingerbread cookies: Gingerbread cookies are the classic Christmas cookies. These come decorated and come in different shapes (stars, snowmen, canes, snowflakes, etc.)
- Send Christmas cards: It is a tradition to send personalized Christmas cards to friends and family, with messages and good wishes.
- Make Christmas parades: In some cities Christmas parades are held. One of the most famous is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which takes place in Manhattan on Thanksgiving Day.
- kiss someone on new year: It is common for people to kiss on New Year's Eve at 00:00. This is due to the belief that if you start the year with love, it will be a good year.
- Ugly Sweater Day: This day is commemorated on the third Friday of each December, when you will see many people on the street wearing sweaters knitted with Christmas motifs.
- Sing carols: You will be able to see in public places, such as shopping centers, people grouped together singing Christmas carols in unison. As well as children's choirs and associations of people who go house to house giving interpretations of Christmas carols in different neighborhoods.
- Hang socks on the fireplace (Stocking): As we already mentioned, leaving a stocking hanging near the fireplace with your name on it is a Christmas tradition in the United States.
- Kiss under the mistletoe: Likewise, kissing under the mistletoe of a doorway or door is a tradition in the USA.
What did you like most about the American Christmas?
Leave us in the comments those Christmas traditions you have in the United States that are different in your country. Also, tell us What did you find most interesting? the way Americans celebrate this holiday.
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