Christmas is a joyous occasion for people where families get together to celebrate their happiness and express their gratitude for the prosperity they enjoy. However Christmas traditions and celebrations differ widely in different regions in the United States. Even then there are some common traditional elements to this wonderful holiday that binds people together.
The celebration and preparation for this wonderful occasion begins immediately after Thanksgiving. Houses are cleaned and decorated for the momentous celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Many houses are decorated with popular Christmas motifs such as Santa, reindeers, snowflakes, lighting and other traditional Christmas elements such as mistletoe and holly. Some households choose to place a crèche to represent and signify the stable where Christ was born.
The Christmas tree is wonderfully decorated with lighting, baubles and an assortment of other items. The Christmas tree is also topped with a star and this signifies the Star of Bethlehem or the angel that declared the birth of Jesus. The placement of the tree is done in a manner wherein it is visible to people passing by on the street. Candles are lighted and special prayers are arranged as a part of Christmas celebrations.
The most important among all Christmas traditions is the Christmas dinner where roasted turkey with vegetables and a variety of sauces is served in many households. This delicious Christmas spread also includes other delectable and traditional food items such as mashed potatoes and gravy, Christmas pudding and mince pies among other items. It snows in many states during Christmas and so dinners are normally set indoors. Many families celebrate this wonderful occasion by exchanging gifts with the extended family and friends during the twelve days of this celebration. Sending Christmas cards to families and friends is also among the popular Christmas traditions and these cards are arranged around the house. Many families select a card on every one of the twelve nights of this celebration and read it out at the dinner table. Prayers are said and blessings are given to family and friends at dinner time.
Midnight Mass or Midnight services are a very important part of Christmas traditions. These services are held on Christmas Eve and families attend these services. Carols are sung and church bells are rung in true Christmas spirit. Other activities are also planned during this time such as live Nativity scenes and choir concerts. Many families, church groups and schools visit nursing homes where Christmas songs are sung and small gifts are given to the patients in the true spirit of sharing. Reading is also among the most significant Christmas traditions. Many families read “The night before Christmas” on the occasion of Christmas Eve while others read stories from the Bible while sitting near the Christmas tree. Many families choose to have a birthday cake for Christ as a part of the celebration. Christmas morning is a magical occasion and children as well as adults hang stockings on mantels.
The customs and traditions for Christmas may change over a period of time but the spirit of giving that underlies this wonderful celebration remains unaltered.
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