Christmas like in the USA: that's part of it

How do you celebrate Christmas in the USA?

Unlike here, in the USA Christmas only on the 25th celebrated in December. The day before, families and friends still meet to go to church or have dinner together. These shared meals over the public holidays are diverse because the population in the USA has multicultural backgrounds.

Families that come from Western Europe primarily serve turkey, turkey or ham with cranberry sauce. Meanwhile, people with Eastern European roots also eat turkey at Christmas, as well as cabbage dishes or soups. Families from Italy, for example, also eat lasagna.

What are classic Christmas traditions in the USA?

The American equivalent of our Santa Claus is Santa Claus. He comes on the night of the 24th. on the 25th December to bring presents to the excited children. These are not placed under the Christmas tree, but rather put into socks (so-called stockings) that were previously hung in the living room. For his efforts, the children will present on the evening of the 24th. December milk and cookies with which Santa Claus can fortify himself at night.

From around the end of November, some families in the USA will put the "Elf on the Shelf" in their living room. This elf has the shape of a small doll and is supposed to symbolically “take care” that the children in the house are well-behaved and receive presents. If this is the case, the presents brought by Santa Claus can be returned on the morning of the 25th. to be unpacked by the expectant children in December. Of course, most families still decorate a Christmas tree - in some cases even with popcorn strung on a string.

What is part of the American Christmas?

In the run-up to Christmas, typical Christmas films such as “Kevin – Alone” are popular in the USA "at home" and did some Christmas shopping to prepare for the upcoming festive season to prepare. In some places there are even special shops that offer Christmas decorations and special toys all year round.

Residential houses are not only decorated in the interior, but also the front gardens are decorated in a colorful, pompous and glittering way. You will not only find Christmas trees there, but also artificial snow, flashing lights and Christmas characters such as reindeer. This is true to the motto: the more noticeable, the better.

Since Christmas is also the festival of love in the USA, projects for charitable purposes also take place in many places. Public nativity scenes are set up neighborhood will be decorated for Christmas and accommodation will be created for homeless people.

Even though there are some customs in the USA that would be unimaginable in Germany, American Christmas still has a lot in common with our Christmas. The most important thing in this cozy time is to come to your senses. Everyone is free to do as they please.