Christmas in the United StatesCome along and uncover

American Christmas celebrations,

and the precious traditions of this culture.

American Christmas Traditions• December 1st is the beginning of Advent for

Christian families. This is a time of spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ. There is also a flurry of

activity baking, cleaning, and decorating for the holidays. The spiritual

aspects of Advent includes lighting candles and saying special prayers.

• Americans visit family and friends and share gifts and greetings on Christmas.

Since it snows in many states on Christmas, dinner is usually set indoors.

In some regions, Christmas Eve to Midnight Mass is the most important

part of the festival season.

American Christmas Decorations

• Holiday home décor in America generally include holly and mistletoe along with Christmas trees decorated with tinsel, popcorn strings, candy canes and electric lights.

MistletoeHolly

American Christmas Decorations• They also decorate with wreaths, candy

canes, and by hanging stockings on the mantel.

Electric Lights are displayed outside.

More American TraditionsGiving to others is an

important part of Christmas. It is the time parents can teach children the joy of giving. Communities across America collect food and gifts for the needy. There are GIVING TREES in malls and churches where people can take a card with a wish and bring back the gift for a poor or homeless child or adult.

Reading is another common thread in American Christmas celebrations. There are households who read Twas' the NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS every Christmas Eve even after the youngest child is an adult. Others share the Bible story while sitting in front of the tree.

Christmas morning is for the children. There are stockings hung on stair railings, or

mantels. There are brightly wrapped gifts under the tree.

The dinner table is laden with turkey or

ham and a wide selection of side

dishes.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good

night!