Christmas traditions in America

They say as we evolve, traditions too transform with us! Frosty, Rudolf and St.Nick are famous American Christmas characters. As you walk into the country streets, you can probably note paper caricature of them hung in the shop ceilings and stores. American kids would be all for the movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas". The famous book is out on the stalls too. Christmas traditions in America include the singing of the holy hymns and carols, decorating the Christmas

trees, dinners and fests, and the night masses. In the present day, the famous Christmas holiday tunes for the children and teenagers are “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, “Frosty the Snowman” and “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”.

 

You will also find the shop walls and houses being decorated with mistletoes and the holly, and ivy. Nativity scenes are depicted in the churches as well as elsewhere.

 

Traditional Christmas Food in America

 

The important part of any festivity is food. Christmas in America brings for you a traditional delicious platter. The famous dinner menu comprise of Roast Turkey cooked with vegetables and sauce. Going forward with desserts, you have the pudding with fruits and nuts. Chocolate or brandy sauce is also used. Other dessert options include the pastry packs being filled with pieces of dried fruits and the mince pies. In beverage, the most preferred is port wine or red wine. Sometimes families make their own homemade wine and have it with a small piece of cinnamon.

Various Christmas Traditions in America

 

Different cities would have their own way of celebrating Christmas in America. The traditions would vary too. Let us have a look at the cities and their Christmas festivities. Each of them has an interesting Christmas lore.

 

In Alaska

 

Speaking about Alaska, you will find a star attached on a pole, which is taken from door to door. Watch put for the colonial doorways and you find them to be decorated with a pineapple. This is a sign of hospitality. Christmas to them would also denote ushering good wishes as well as welcoming the new. Young boys and girls sing carols and invite their neighbors for suppers.

 

In Arizona

 

The famous Mexican ritual named Las Posadas is observed in Arizona. This is a play and procession in motion depicting Joseph and Mary. Various localities and families take part in the play. They visit houses to enact scenes from the drama and conveying a Christmas wish and message.

 

In Washington, DC

 

In Washington DC, one of the famous Christmas traditions is lighting up a huge tree. The honorable President, who presses a button that turns on all the other lights, does this.

 

In New Orleans

 

You will find that in New Orleans, there is an ox that is paraded on the streets on the Christmas Eve. The huge ox is decorated with ribbons and holly ties to its horns.

 

Christmas traditions in America are many. They are small rituals or practices that have come down the ages. Few polished Americans, during this time spread hay under the tablecloth and on the kitchen floor. This is done in order to connect with the manger and stable.

Last updated on 13/07/2011