In the United States they have many different traditions and ways of celebrating Christmas since there is a multicultural character. Many family customs are similar to those in the UK, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Mexico. In the United States, Christmas is celebrated on December 25, however the festive season begins just after Thanksgiving. Do you want to know what Christmas is like in the United States?
Thanksgiving Day: the kick-off of Christmas in the US
Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. That’s when families enjoy a spectacular parade in New York featuring Santa Claus and marking the start of the Christmas shopping season. Department stores, shopping centers and shops are preparing to sell more, especially with the arrival of the well-known ‘Black Friday’ and ‘Cyber Monday’. Shortly after, the Christmas gunshot will arrive for all American families and they will get to work to create a dream atmosphere in their homes.
When does Christmas start in the US?
After Thanksgiving dinner, shops are preparing their doors for Christmas shopping. However, Christmas doesn’t begin until the lights on the National Christmas Tree are turned on.
It is a huge tree located in front of the White House and that, each year, is lit by the President in a solemn ceremony. There are many celebrities who do not miss such an important event, as they want to see with their own eyes the spectacle that comes after: performances, concerts and a long etcetera. Americans have the possibility to watch the event from their televisions, although they can also attend if they participate in the invitation draw that takes place just a month before.
After this, families can start putting together their Christmas trees and the rest of their home decorations. All of them will participate in an unforgettable, traditional evening that leaves no one indifferent.
Home decoration at Christmas in the United States
People who celebrate Christmas tend to decorate their homes with a large number of decorations that, in other countries, would be unthinkable. The show is guaranteed outside the houses, where they place lights in full color, figures and fun shapes. Meanwhile, inside the house it is common for the whole family to come to collect a natural Christmas tree. These trees are purchased at the ‘Christmas Tree Farms’, outdoor venues where you can choose the tree that you like best and take it home! It is also common for the family to get together to decorate said tree with balls, garlands and lots and lots of light.
In this sense, practically all American families place mistletoe on their doors or at the entrances to different rooms. Tradition, also called ‘mistletoe’, indicates that if two people are under this plant they must kiss and, in turn, pick a fruit. How romantic!
The arrival of Santa Claus and other traditions in the United States
Contrary to what we may think, and although in Spain it is a tradition to celebrate Christmas Eve, in the United States nothing special is done on the night of December 24. The stores remain open until 12 midnights, and they do so for those who want to buy last-minute gifts.
The most special day for them is December 25, Christmas Day. The little ones (and the whole family in general) hang their Christmas stockings on the fireplace, or at the end of their beds. In this sense, the tradition called ‘Christmas Stoking ‘ has an interesting legend behind it. There are many who point to Saint Nicholas, who, wanting to help an old man who did not want his support, hid money in his socks. Another legend tells of a nobleman and his daughters, who lose all his money and cannot help pay for the wedding of one of them. Santa Claus takes pity on them and leaves some gold bars in his daughters’ stockings. Since then, Americans have hung up their socks waiting for Santa Claus to Shower them with gifts and treats.
That day the gifts are opened in the morning during a rich breakfast, like when the Three Wise Men arrive in other parts of the world, and dinner or lunch is of special relevance. It is at that precise moment that families gather around a table.
Typical Christmas foods in the US
When families get together to eat at Christmas they cook a most spectacular Christmas menu. As in other countries of the world, it is common for them to make a large amount, however, it varies in terms of traditions.
The turkey is the star of Christmas, although many families decide to cook another type of bird since they have eaten it on Thanksgiving Day. Stuffed turkey is usually accompanied by a rich cranberry sauce, or mashed potatoes. Nor can you miss the green beans, and a whole assortment of delicious desserts.
Special mention has the ‘eggnog’ or eggnog. It is a creamy drink, white or pale yellow in color and somewhat thick. It is usually served in cups, and can be accompanied by cream, cinnamon or cookies. What is it made of? The peculiar drink contains milk, sugar, nutmeg, eggs, a little alcohol and various spices.
And, how could it be otherwise, you can never miss gingerbread cookies with different shapes and decorations. These cookies, which are usually left out on the night of November 24 so that Santa Claus can eat them, are one of the most typical American Christmas treats.
Ugly sweater day: what is it?
Surely you know those typical Christmas sweaters that are given away or that are the most ridiculous. Do you have one in the closet? In the United States, every third Friday of December (on the 17th or 18th) is celebrated on ‘Ugly sweater day’, literally, Ugly Sweater Day, in this case for Christmas. On this day, many Americans wear their ugliest Christmas jumper all day (yes, to work too), this being their only outfit all day. There are even specialized stores where this type of sweater is sold.
Where are you from? Many suggest that it was in the 80s thanks to actor and comedian Bill Cosby, who wore these garments on his program The Cosby Show. Others point out that it was not until 2011 when a group of students from the University of San Diego created a website where they could find ugly, ridiculous and funny Christmas sweaters to wear every Christmas, creating a specific day to do so. The initiative was a success, so much so that many television presenters joined in wearing these sweaters.
New Year’s celebration in the United States
To welcome the new year, Americans put family aside and focus on parties with their friends. Unlike other places in the world where you dine with the family, in the United States it is a celebration of friendship, a great party in which laughter and fun are not lacking.
Something common is to meet at ‘Times Squere’, in New York, where close to a million people celebrate the arrival of a new year. Those who venture to that place will watch the New Year’s Eve ball descend. They will count the last seconds and toast once it falls completely, as it will mean the arrival of the New Year. After midnight, it is common for there to be numerous fireworks, and according to tradition you must kiss the first person you meet to have luck in the coming months.
Christmas carols and charity events in the US
These days are also lived in community, where schools, churches and different associations meet to organize special events. In addition, Christmas carols have special importance for them. It is common to see a group of spontaneous performers in the middle of the street performing a beautiful Christmas song in front of everyone.
In the United States, it is also traditional for people to organize charitable projects. Among them, being able to help the homeless or with few resources to survive. Giving them a roof where they can spend Christmas is so important to them that they try to help as much as they can.