People from many different cultures come together around Christmas in the United States of America. Thanksgiving is on November 4th, and the festivities continue all the way into the new year. On December 25th, we celebrate Christmas Day with a large family meal that consists of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and meat pies. Houses are lit up with lights, stockings are hung by the fireplace, and Christmas trees are decorated. Ham, tamales, roast goose, and seafood salad are possibilities for the traditional Christmas dinner in America, which differs from one location to another. On Christmas Eve, many Americans also go to church, and some even partake in strange traditions like the Christmas Pickle or the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
Christmas Traditions in America
Today, around 63 percent of the entire United States’ population (332 million) is Christian (210 million). Presently, 55 percent of individuals in the US report that Christmas is observed as a religious holiday.
Picking Out a Christmas Tree
One aspect of American Christmas is the practice of choosing a Christmas tree. The first step is taking a trip to a tree lot or a Christmas tree farm as a family to pick out the ideal tree. German immigrants first introduced the habit of adorning fir trees with candles and decorations to the United States. Today, homes begin their Christmas festivities with this ritual. Lights, tinsel, decorations, and a star or angel atop the tree are added after it is in the house. Festive decorations adorn houses, and more importantly, this ritual brings families together, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge presided over the first National Tree Lighting Ceremony to mark the beginning of a beloved American tradition. As the formal beginning of the Christmas season, this event is hosted by the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation. It includes musical performances and the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. Not only does the White House now have tree lighting events, but so do towns and communities. The annual Rockefeller Center tree lighting is among the most famous.
Christmas Lights Everywhere
Yard decorations including Santa’s sleigh, illuminated reindeer, and inflatable snowmen have been immensely popular in American homes and yards this holiday season. It may be anything from understated, elegant displays to extravagant light shows, but either way, it’s a great way to share the holiday mood in America. Because of their extended lifespan and little effect on the environment, energy-efficient LEDs are often chosen. Some examples of decorations are pre-lit trees positioned in a way that casts a warm, welcoming light, lighting garlands wrapped over entrances, and big, warm lights scattered along rooflines.
Secret Santa
In the United States, people enjoy Christmas by participating in the Secret Santa. Members of a community or group are assigned a gift-giver at random under this practice. People do not divulge to identify the kind gift-giver. To decide on a present recipient, it is common practice to have people pull names from a hat. Many people take pleasure in trying to identify the identity of their Secret Santa only once they have opened their presents. It is believed that philanthropist Larry Dean Stewart (1948–2007) began this custom but it has roots in Scandinavia.
Black Friday
In the United States, the Christmas season is generally considered to begin the day after Thanksgiving (November 23). Since Black Friday is on November 24, it is considered to be the earliest “holy feast” of the Christmas season. The United States begins its Christmas shopping season on Black Friday.
Elfapalooza Gathering
In Mobile, Alabama, hundreds of people wear elf costumes for Elfapalooza, a one-of-a-kind Christmas festival. This event originally sought to surpass the record from 2014 in Bangkok, when 1,762 elves gathered for the Guinness World Record for the greatest assembly of Santa’s elves. Over a thousand elves still congregate every December in Mobile’s heritage Bienville Square. Local artists, arts groups, and businesses provide live programming, offer prizes, and more during the city’s Artwalk after the official count.
Russian Orthodox Christmas in Alaska
The observance of Russian Orthodox Christmas, which falls on January 7th, has significance in Alaskan Christmas, especially in towns that have a Russian heritage. There is a ritual called “starring,” in which vocal ensembles go house to house, singing folk and religious songs and spinning big, glittering stars that look like pinwheels. It is said that a homesick priest from Ukraine brought this practice to the towns of Alaska. An enormous Russian Orthodox Christmas celebration takes place every year at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage. This custom is strong in Alaska, and it helps keep the Christmas spirit alive even while American society is becoming more secular. Observing Christmas on the “new” Gregorian calendar is a tradition among Orthodox Christians in Alaska that is a tribute to their background.
Tumbleweed Christmas Tree
The Tumbleweed Christmas Tree in Chandler, Arizona, is a unique Christmas tradition that has been celebrated since 1957. Constructed from a 35-foot-tall, 20-foot-wide frame made from chicken wire, the tree is filled with about 1,000 tumbleweeds collected by Chandler’s Park Operations Division each year. These tumbleweeds are painted white, adorned with about 80 pounds of glitter, and sprayed with flame retardant before being strung with more than 1,200 LED lights. The tree, which stands over 50 feet tall, is lit the first Saturday evening in December, drawing Christmas visitors from far and wide. This only-in-Arizona display actually represents the Grand Canyon State.
Lights of the Ozarks in Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas, hosts the beloved Lights of the Ozarks every year during the holidays. Lighting Night, which usually falls around November 17th, is the beginning of this light festival. From then until January 1, the Historic Downtown Square in Fayetteville is illuminated nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Every year since 1994, employees of Fayetteville Parks and Recreation have spent more than 3,300 hours putting up more than 400,000 sparkling lights for the event. This turns the area into a winter paradise, drawing in guests from all around.
Boat Parades in California
From San Diego all the way up to the northern part of the state, seaside communities celebrate the holidays with boat parades in the evening. A variety of boats, including yachts, sailboats, rowboats, and even canoes, decorated with lights and vibrant displays, participate in these parades. Viewing locations along the shoreline are prime locations for spectators, who may be joined by merchants selling hot chocolate, musicians, and even Santa himself on occasion. Some communities provide opportunities to go on a boat and cruise around while taking in the festively lit boats and waterfront mansions. These parades, which take place all through December, give Christmas a California flair.
Places to Visit at Christmas in America
Here are a few of the top American destinations to visit over Christmas:
- Solvang, California: This quaint Danish-style village hosts annual celebrations like Julefest and other holiday-themed activities.
- North Pole, Alaska: Visit North Pole, Alaska, sometimes nicknamed “America’s Christmas Hometown,” for a Christmas-themed fireworks show and Santa Claus Land of Lights, a drive-through light experience.
- Vail Colorado: Beautiful mountain beauty, exciting activities, and the Vail Christmas Adventure—a progressive dinner party on Christmas Eve—make Vail, Colorado, a popular ski destination.
- New York City: Famous landmarks in New York City include the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, the Christmas Spectacular, Macy’s Santaland, and the Saks Fifth Avenue light display.
- Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: In Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a place that has earned the nickname “Christmas City USA,” visitors enjoy Christmas markets, a unique history, and the Live Advent Calendar.
- Frankenmuth, Michigan: This town is magical during the holiday season, thanks to its Old World Christmas Market and horse-drawn wagon excursions.
- Washington, DC: National Christmas Tree and the World War II Memorial Ice Rink are two of the holiday attractions in the nation’s capital.
- Chicago, Illinois: Maggie Daley Park in Chicago, Illinois is the site of a Christkindlmarket and other Christmas celebrations that provide visitors with a taste of German Christmas customs.
- Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota: The Minnesota Twin Cities are the site of several annual events, including SantaCon and Holidazzle, and the Governor’s Residence hosts holiday tours.
- New Orleans, Louisiana: Holiday customs like the Christmas Pickle and the Feast of the Seven Fishes are part of New Orleans, Louisiana’s cultural history.
The Economic Significance of Christmas
Various industries in the US feel the effects of Christmas. Sales skyrocketed across the board during this period, making it the biggest economic boost for many countries (the US included). Forecasts indicated that overall holiday retail sales in 2023 hit a record high of 957 billion USD. American shoppers were projected to spend over $1 trillion for Christmas, with about $150 billion going to internet shops. The “Christmas shopping season” begins as early as October.
Every family spent close to $1,500 on party supplies, including food and drink. More people are able to find work in retail as a result of this expenditure, as sales grow to fulfill the increased demand. Even though many stores are doing well this Christmas season, some may be struggling financially because they can’t meet customer demand.
The History of Christmas in America
Christmas wasn’t even a recognized holiday in the early part of the nineteenth century, and there wasn’t a common practice for enjoying the season. Some celebrated Christmas as a serious religious holiday, remembering the birth of Jesus; others had parties, listened to music, drank, and feasted. But in the early 1800s, Americans started to reimagine Christmas.
Washington Irving, a well-known American writer, had a major impact on how Americans celebrate Christmas. In 1819, he penned a collection of articles chronicling the story of a rich British landowner who hosts a Christmas party for his hired hands. The concept of people from all walks of life gathering together to celebrate a joyous holiday was something Irving lauded, as was the return to more traditional practices.
Christians started celebrating Christmas in unique ways by the middle of the century, putting aside their theological disagreements over the holiday’s significance. The importance of spending Christmas Eve and Day together at home grew throughout time.
Following the European custom of decorating Christmas trees and exchanging presents, an increasing number of Christian Americans also started to do the same. Immigrants from Germany carried with them the custom of decorating evergreen trees with lights, candy, and toys. Putting up a Christmas tree became a common practice for American households.
On June 26, 1870, Christmas was officially declared a federal holiday in the US. Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, whom they believe to be the divine son and global savior, around this time. On December 25, people throughout the globe celebrate Christmas, a religious and cultural phenomenon as well as a commercial one. It is characterized by religious and secular customs and traditions.
Distinct American Christmas Decorations
American Christmas decorations that are unusual include:
- State Ornaments: Old World Christmas has a variety of decorations that honor the 50 states with their own special traditions.
- Made in the USA Decorations: homespun soy candles, handmade ceramic stockings, or winter gnome brothers and Christmas truck glass ornaments are kinds of handmade American ornaments distinct to America.
- Gingerbread Houses: During the Christmas season, American families enjoy the age-old custom of making and decorating gingerbread homes. These constructions made of food first appeared in Germany in the 1500s and 1700s. During the nineteenth century, the craze for gingerbread homes surely made its way to Britain.
- Chile Wreaths: Wreaths constructed of dried chiles are a traditional Christmas ornament in New Mexico and make for a one-of-a-kind centerpiece.
- Light Shows: Spectacular light displays illuminate the streets and waterfronts of many American towns and cities. One such event is the Louisiana holiday light show.
Traditional Christmas Foods in America
Various regions and cultures in the United States have different traditional Christmas dishes. Eggnog, roasted goose, mince pies, and Christmas pudding made in the British way are among New England‘s most beloved holiday traditions. Crab cakes, oysters, and ham are popular in the Mid-Atlantic states, but country ham, mac & cheese, and cornbread are more popular in the South. Mexican flavors, such as tamales, are prevalent throughout the Southwest. American Christmas meal staples include mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and turkey. Popular sweets include fruitcake, pumpkin and pecan pies, cookies, and fruitcake.
