Christmas is one of the main federal holidays of the United States and the second largest religious holiday after Easter. It is noted according to the Catholic tradition on December 25th.
Traditions
The traditions of the celebration in America are unique, thanks to the history of the country and its multinationality. Mixing various cultures, united by the unity of secular and political life, led to an unusual atmosphere of the holiday. The main feature is that, despite the huge scale of the event and for long-term training, Christmas remains an exclusively family event.
Most modern Americans attend the Church only in Easter and Christmas.
December 25 is held at home with family. Give presents. The atmosphere of joy and fun create decorations and special music. Famous to the world, the American song "Jingle Bells" is more than 150 years.
Decoration
Christmas for Americans causes the following associations:
- Christmas-mandatory holiday attribute;
- Bells and wreaths - traditional symbols;
- Scenes from the Bible. Made from special figures and occupy a central place in the interior;
- Santa Claus is a fabulous grandfather, bringing gifts to obedient children.
All spaces are filled with these symbols and attributes. In America, they will not be sealed on the decorations. Ornate decorated at home inside, outside, private yards and even streets.
Each house is installed or richly decorated Christmas tree. Dress up with her balls, bumps and oddly enough flowers. Under the Christmas tree, there are figures depicting scenes from the Bible and many-many gifts for all family members.
Lighting at this time increases several times. Garlands hang on the facades of houses, stretch through whole streets. In the houses ignite many candles. Mandatory decorations are an angel figurines, wreaths, advent calendars.
Advent Calendar Calendar with countdown time. In such a calendar place tasks for children, for the execution of which they receive prizes.
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Festive table.
Family Christmas dinner is the main part of the holiday. It is a great honor to be stuck at the table on this day. The table is served by the best dishes, decorated with napkins with Christmas symbols and candles.
Most popular Christmas dishes in the USA:
- Whole baked turkey, served with cranberry sauce;
- Baked beef;
- Cabbage bob soup;
- Green peas is traditionally present on the table;
In each state your festive menu. For dessert prepare cakes and cookies. The most popular drinks on the table: Wine, Punch, Brandy and Cocktails of the Egg Noga.
Gifts and postcards
In the US, it is customary to give gifts to friends and all family members. To satisfy the demand of buyers, shops are moving to a special mode of operation, conducting various promotions and discounts. Time before Christmas in America is the time of crowded shops, traffic jams and infinite packaging of gifts.
The most popular gifts in the USA:
- Postcards, original, sometimes very expensive;
- Sweets;
- Souvenirs and decorations;
- Children give toys, and adults - gifts related to the hobby.
After the holiday
Before Christmas America is filled with fuss. And after everything returns to the former rhythm of life, the amount of jewelry and garlands decreases. The next holiday in the country is the new year. He passes much calmer. And nothing to compare with the Christmas atmosphere in America.