Christmas is the biggest holiday in the United States. It’s celebrated on December 25, and almost everyone participates regardless of the fact that it’s a Christian holiday. The mythical character of Santa Claus helps to secularize the holiday.
On the day of Christmas and during the days leading up to the holiday, the birth of Jesus Christ is remembered and celebrated.
Three wise men visited Jesus after he was born and brought him gifts.
This is one reason children are given so many presents on Christmas day.
Christmas occurs at about the same time as the winter solstice, which was celebrated long ago by European pagans. As Christianity became a bigger religion, it replaced paganism in Europe but the tradition of celebrating Christmas on December 25 remains. Many Christians all over the world and in the U.S. celebrate the birth of Jesus in January–on January 6 or January 7
Santa Claus is a mythical character.
Santa Claus is based on the real life of Saint Nicholas, a third-century bishop who devoted himself to the poor and to the welfare of children.
Santa Claus flies all over the world in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. He goes to the house of every child in the world and brings them presents.
It’s a tradition to put a Christmas tree in your house during the holiday season. Many people also hang stockings (big socks) on a fireplace so that Santa can fill them with toys and candy.
People exchange gifts on Christmas Eve and on Christmas morning.
Food is an important part of the Christmas tradition
christmas cookies
gingerbread men
gingerbread house
fruitcake
ham
goose (alive)
goose (cooked)
potato casserole
oranges
You can eat just about anything on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Many Americans eat the traditional food for their culture or ethnic group: Mexican food, Chinese food, Italian food, German food, Ethiopian food, Russian food, etc.
