In a few days it will be that time again, Christmas. But how is Christmas actually celebrated in America? How is it designed and what are the places to visit if you are in America during Christmas? In this article we tell you more about the typical American Christmas traditions and more. Read on quick!
Interesting things about American Christmas
American Christmas traditions
There is hardly any country where Christmas is celebrated as big as in America. This period of Christmas and New Year’s Eve is also called ”Holiday Season” in America, a period in which everyone is free and spends a lot of time with friends and family. Weeks before it is actually Christmas, all cities and villages are already wrapped in a festive Christmas atmosphere with lights and other decorations.
There is also a big difference immediately compared to how we celebrate Christmas in the Netherlands. On the other side of the ocean they only know Christmas Day, unlike many Dutch people, the Americans celebrate Christmas Eve much bigger. Christmas Eve is also known as Christmas Eve, the night Santa delivers all the presents.
In addition, America is still seen as a Christian country. Many Americans can therefore be found in church on Christmas Eve for the so-called Christmas Mass.
In terms of Christmas decorations, America resembles the Netherlands, just like with us, they also put a (large) decorated fir tree in the house. In addition, typical large, Christmas socks are often hung on the chimney to complete the decoration.
Celebrate Christmas in the USA
Church Services: Attending Christmas Eve or Christmas Day church services is a significant part of the celebration for many Americans. It’s a time for spiritual reflection and coming together in worship.
Gift Exchanges: Exchanging gifts is a way for families and friends to show their love and appreciation for one another. Many families exchange gifts on Christmas morning, and it’s common to have a designated time for opening presents.
Decorations: Decorating the home, inside and out, is often a family affair. Families come together to put up Christmas trees, hang ornaments, and adorn their homes with lights and other festive decorations.
Cooking and Baking: Preparing special holiday meals and treats is a collaborative effort in many households. Family members may work together in the kitchen to create a Christmas feast or bake cookies and other holiday goodies.
Christmas Caroling: Some communities or groups of friends come together to go caroling, spreading Christmas cheer by singing traditional carols to neighbors and at local events.
Watching Holiday Movies: Gathering to watch classic Christmas movies and TV specials is a cozy way for families and friends to enjoy each other’s company during the holiday season.
Volunteering and Charity: Many Americans volunteer their time together during the holiday season. Families, friends, and community groups often participate in charitable activities, such as serving meals at shelters, distributing gifts to those in need, or organizing food drives.
Neighborhood Events: Some neighborhoods organize community events like tree lighting ceremonies, parades, or holiday markets, which bring residents together to celebrate the season.
Social Gatherings: Friends often come together for holiday parties and gatherings. These may include festive dinners, ugly sweater parties, or other themed events.
Acts of Kindness: Random acts of kindness, like helping a neighbor with shoveling snow, bringing meals to those who are homebound, or exchanging small gifts with friends and coworkers, foster a sense of community and togetherness.
Phone and Video Calls: For those who can’t be physically present with their loved ones, technology allows for video calls, enabling families to share the holiday experience despite being separated by distance.
Santa Claus, Indiana
What better place to celebrate Christmas than in a place called Santa Claus. There is a place called Santa Claus in Indiana America. The southwestern Indiana city is known for, how could it be otherwise, its Christmas theme. The city’s nickname during the Christmas season: America’s Christmas Hometown. Everything in this city breathes Christmas, all year round. With, for example, even a real Santa Klaus museum. It is not surprising that the city was voted the world’s best Christmas destination in 2011.
A fun fact about this city is that the city has a post office of the same name, Santa Claus, which receives thousands of letters for Santa from children all over the world every year.
New York City, New York
New York City in New York is always a must to visit, but during the Christmas season it has more to offer and there is even more to experience in this metropolis. A magical destination that actually needs no further explanation, not surprising that New York has been attracting the most tourists during Holiday Season for years.
A real must-visit if you are in New York during this period is the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. This immense Christmas tree is the world’s most famous Christmas tree and attracts a huge number of tourists every year. So you will have to be patient, but you will not be disappointed.
Besides window shopping and looking at the beautiful decoration that hangs all over the city, it is also definitely worth going to Central Park. You can even put on your skates here to skate a round on the famous skating rink with a great view!
Orlando, Florida
Don’t feel like a cold or white Christmas? Then Orlando is highly recommended for your Christmas destination! In December it is still an average of about 23 degrees here, which means celebrating Christmas in shorts. Sit by the pool and maybe even get a little tan, a unique interpretation of the Christmas period for many.
But partly because of this, it is probably very popular, because every year during this period countless Europeans also travel to this area to celebrate Christmas. Biggest draw? Disney World Orlando. An additional tip; buy a ticket to Micky’s Very Merry Christmas Party. You can then enter the park after the regular closing time, the biggest advantage is fewer long queues for the attractions. But there is more, all kinds of free food and drinks are distributed in the theme of Christmas and everything is of course completely decorated in a Christmas theme, including a parade in the Christmas spirit. A must visit!
Enough inspiration for a Christmas period in America. Do you already know what you will be doing during the holidays? Whether you spend the ‘Holiday Season’ in the States or are in the Netherlands during the holidays, or perhaps somewhere else. Wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas!
We will reveal more interesting things about Christmas in the next articles, please follow and wait for us!