Christmas Traditions in the USA
By Kzoo
What is an "American" Christmas? The United States has such a diversity of cultures and traditions,
it is actually quite difficult to say what is uniquely American. Many of the holiday activities vary from
family to family and often depend on the cultural heritage of the family members. As those from
different backgrounds marry, many of these Christmas traditions are merged in the new family
holiday. In our house, we mix Irish, Austrian, Polish and Belgian traditions into something that is our
own. At my sister's home there is a mixture of Irish and Finnish while the other sister ends up with
an Irish-English holiday. Some of our relatives are 'pure' Polish or Belgian and they have different
traditions and practices during their holidays. Our best friends are of German heritage and their
holiday activities differ from ours in some respects. All of these traditions have been mixed and re-
mixed so that what happens at the holidays are often more of a 'family' tradition rather than a national
practice typical of those who live in the United States.
The differing climates of the United States also have an influence on what happens at Christmas
time. Even though the idea of a Christmas with a sparkling blanket of snow is portrayed from the
European tradition, waking up to six inches of snow in Phoenix, Arizona, would come as a great
shock. Those planning to spend the day at the beach in Key West, Florida, look forward to warm
temperatures and lots of sunshine. Children in the southern United States worry about how Santa's
sleigh is going to make it's way through the sand or grass. Many people go south at the holiday time
to get away from northern ice and snow. The traditional view of a sleigh ride through the woods to
Grandmother's house is one they would rather forget.
Notwithstanding the variety of cultures and nationalities, there is an 'ideal' Christmas tradition which
seems to be accepted by many who celebrate this holiday. Individual family traditions are added to
this basic ideal to make each family celebration unique. A blending of traditions play a major part in
the celebration of an 'American' Christmas.
Christmas is regarded as a family time with a great deal of travel happening over the holidays. Much
of the travel is by air, since driving from Chicago to Phoenix, for instance, takes three days. The
sheer size of this country and the need to spend as much time as possible with family make flying the
transport of choice. Booking tickets must be done as early as September since most flights are sold
out if one waits until the last minute.
The Christmas tree plays an important part in the holiday tradition. Often times it is topped by a star
to represent the Star of Bethlehem, or by an angel which announces the birth of Christ. Many family
trees have ornaments from more than one generation. Often times the heritage of the families are
represented by the kind of decorations on the trees. Lights are a must and the more the better. The
tree is often placed so that it can be viewed by passers-by in the street. Many living or family rooms
are on the street-side in American homes. Many families also decorate under the tree with trains
being a popular item.
Many families also decorate outside of the home with regional traditions and the weather playing a
part. A family in North Dakota would not decorate with anything which would be spoiled by snow or
wind, while a family in southern California may place paper bags with sand and candles inside of
them along the driveway to the home. Some form of lighting, whether spotlights or strings of lights,
are often used on the homes and in the yards during the holidays. Some neighborhoods erect giant
Christmas cards in their yards to give greetings to those who pass by. There are snowmen, Santas,
manger scenes, snowflakes, reindeer, and other lighted displays in many neighborhoods. Others
outline the architectural features of their homes in lights. Those in apartments or condos will often
decorate their windows.
There is sometimes a creche placed in a prominent position in the home. This represents the stable
wherein the Christ child was born and has Mary, Joseph, the Child and various animals in
attendance. Even though the Wise Men did not arrive until the Child was three years old, according
to tradition, they are often placed near the creche. Many families who are not particularly religious
during the year, do pay homage to the origins of the Christmas holiday at this time.
Food plays an important part in the American Christmas. It is often a time of an extended open
house with friends dropping by to bring gifts or just to wish everyone a happy holiday. At this time it
is appropriate to offer these guests food and beverage, so many homes have a variety of treats
prepared in advance for these occasions. Magazines are filled with recipes for all sorts of goodies
including fudge and decorated Christmas cookies. There are also family gatherings throughout the
month of December which are often buffet open houses where the food is placed on tables to be
eaten while visiting with others. Dropping in seems to be part of the American Christmas tradition, so
there always needs to be something on hand to offer guests.
Although many families serve a variety of menus for Christmas dinner, the standard fare seems to
include turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, vegetables, a salad and some sort of dessert. In some homes ham and sausage are also added to the menu. It is often the dessert which reflects the roots of the family tree. The Christmas dinner is seen as the focal point of a family gathering with many generations sitting at the table. Reflections of the past and hopes for the future are present at Christmas dinner.
Various churches play an important part in the American Christmas. Many families feel that it is
important to go to church on Christmas. There are also a variety of associated activities such as
church dinners, live Nativity scenes, choir concerts, special church services, and a fostering of the
spirit of giving to those less fortunate.
Music also contributes to the Christmas holiday. The cultural mix is apparent on the airways with selections in many languages often heard. Often a Christmas concert will contain lyrics sung in English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French and Latin. Many European hymns and
carols are imported and translated for the American audience, while others are sung in their original
languages. There is an abundance of secular music which varies from the saccharine to the sublime
to the totally ridiculous.
Christmas in the United States has evolved from the mixing of traditions, just as has the country as a
whole. Although different ethnic and cultural groups continue to include their own traditions in their celebrations, an American Christmas is actually a celebration of the variety of cultures and traditions which makes the country a unique place in which to celebrate this holiday.
© Kzoo 2002
