There are so many different ways to celebrate Christmas here in the United States. Everyone does it differently, but mostly the same. It's a Christian nation (although it doesn't always seem to be that way). We celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus ... but then there are those who do not believe in Jesus but celebrate anyway.
You are most likely to find a Christmas tree in every house but the day of when people get it is dependent on them. We like to put ours up the day after Thanksgiving. Some use real trees and others use artificial.
Most of us will bring Santa Claus into it. We take our kids to see him at the mall so they can sit on his lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. We joke about the kids getting coal if they are bad but you know, I've never heard of anyone actually getting coal ever. On Christmas Eve when the kids are in bed we put all the presents under the tree, including the ones from Santa. On Christmas morning we wake up and rip into the gifts to see what we got.
Oh, I forgot. Where I live Santa comes by on a firetruck on Christmas Eve. The kids love that. Our church also has a Christmas Eve service where we light candles and sing Christmas carols.
Speaking of Christmas carols, some people like to gather together and go door to door singing carols to others. I did that with a friend and a group of her friends once. It was fun.
In New York City and in other cities a big tree is on display for people to go by and see. The streets are usually decorated with lights and wreaths.
I feel like there's some things I am missing, but that's pretty much it. Jesus. Santa. Christmas trees and decorations. Christmas music. Gifts. And love ... lots and lots of love.
It's all about the love, isn't it? Enjoyed your post!
ReplyDeleteLove this - thanks for sharing! I know many of us are "native" to the U.S. but it is interesting to think about where our heritage would trace back to tradtion-wise.
ReplyDeleteI know quite a bit about my Polish heritage but the other side (Wales, France, Germany, Ireland) - I don't know much about their traditions. I completely relate with your post though (minus Santa on a fire truck) Lol