American Christmas Traditions
Christmas is one of the most important and beloved holidays in the U.S. All houses are decorated with Christmas lights and families put up their Christmas trees, while various cities have parades, creating an enjoyable atmosphere that is characteristic of Christmas.
In this blog, we will talk about the origins of Christmas and explain how it is celebrated in different regions of America, including how that has changed over the years.
The Origins of Popular American Christmas Traditions
Most American Christmas customs originated from European countries but changed their original formation in the United States. For example, the popular tradition of decorating a Christmas tree first started in Germany but later became very popular in the United States. This happened in the 19th century when Queen Victoria of England took a photograph with a Christmas tree. Today, decorating Christmas trees with glass ornaments, twinkling lights, and colorful garlands is one of the most famous traditions on Christmas!
Jolly Santa Claus is another aspect of Christmas traditions that is inspired by Saint Nicholas. It was the jolly man in Red in the 19th century, through stories and poetry, who gave a modern image of Santa Claus. Since then Santa Claus has been known as the spirit of Christmas and is anticipated by all the children in the wee hours of Christmas mornings.
Christmas traditions bring excitement to all children in the world. This includes hanging up Christmas stockings by the fireplace on Christmas Eve in hopes that they would find small gifts, candies, and treats the following morning inside of them!
How Americans Celebrate Christmas: Customs and Festivities Across the Country
While different states have different holiday traditions, there is always that prevailing sense of love, joy, and generosity in all of them during Christmas in the United States. Some popular ways Americans celebrate Christmas include decorating homes with lights and holding Christmas parades. Many towns celebrate the holiday season with light festivals, lining the streets with electric lights, decorated trees, and festive Christmas decorations during preparations.
Other beloved traditions include watching Christmas movies! Classics like A Wonderful Life, Home Alone, and A Charlie Brown Christmas are annual fixtures in many homes, as families gather to watch Christmas movies that capture the heart of the season. Then, there are traditional Christmas songs such as “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night”, which each help set the festive mood in their unique way.
For many, Christmas Eve is a time for religious reflection, with families attending church services and singing Christmas carols. Afterward, they enjoy a festive Christmas Eve dinner, which often includes dishes like roast turkey, ham, or even the Italian seven fishes.
On Christmas Day, families gather to enjoy Christmas dinner and exchange gifts. Many also enjoy baking Christmas cookies, which are often left out for Santa Claus alongside a glass of milk. On Christmas morning, children rush to open gifts and see what Santa has left in their Christmas stockings.
Modern Twists on Traditional Christmas Celebrations
Though traditional Christmas customs remain alive and well through the generations, many new trends have added fun twists to the holiday. An especially silly tradition is the Christmas pickle, where families hide a Christmas pickle ornament in the tree. The first person to find it upon getting up on Christmas morning wins a prize.
Ugly sweater parties have also been quite the modern twist to the traditional Christmas celebration. This means everyone has to put on the craziest sweater they could find, and participate in holiday events filled with Christmas music and cheer.
But hey! Since online shopping started to become the norm, it has transformed the way people do their holiday shopping, allowing them to buy gifts from the comfort of their homes. Still, many people still prefer the thrill of searching for the perfect tree or Christmas cards for their loved ones in person.
Unique Christmas Practices in America
Some areas in the U.S. have special Christmas traditions that showcase their local customs. For instance, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, people celebrate Christmas with the Farolito Festival, where small paper lanterns light up the streets. In South Carolina, seafood dishes, along with traditional options like roast turkey are often part of the Christmas family meal. In Rhode Island, fancy displays of Christmas lights can be seen.
Many Americans also participate in Secret Santa gift exchanges or donate to charity during Christmas, revealing the true spirit of giving that defines American Christmas traditions. Whether it’s raising money for a cause or simply volunteering, the holiday season is one of those times when one focuses on others!
Embracing the Holiday Spirit
Christmas is all about families and friends having a good time to spread the cheer of the holiday season. Starting with decorating trees to baking Christmas cookies, to viewing Christmas movies and Christmas dinners, these cherished traditions give families lasting memories throughout the country.
To learn more about American holidays and traditions, check out SQA Education’s resources. Learn about other US holiday celebrations, including Halloween and Thanksgiving, and explore ways to get involved in your community during the holiday season.
Conclusion
American Christmas traditions are a delightful blend of old and new, parts of centuries-old traditions mixed with modern takes. From decorating Christmas trees to watching Christmas movies or sharing Christmas cookies, the holiday season in the U.S. is a time to celebrate love, family, and togetherness.
So slip on your Santa hat, snuggle up to your nearest and dearest, and revel in the holiday joy of Christmas in the USA. Whether you’re seeing what Santa brought or watching your favorite holiday movies, there’s something magical about the Christmas season that brings people together!