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Christmas customs and tradition across America differ according to region and ethnic background. And yet there is enough similarity to say there is an American Christmas tradition. That is, in America, Christmas is a time for families to come together. There are families of birth, and marriage, and families of friendship.
The earliest preparations are done right after Thanksgiving. This is for hand made crafts, gifts, cards, and the creation of the gingerbread house. This can be made from kit or from scratch and then used as a holiday centerpiece not to be eaten until Christmas.
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 include lighting candles and saying special prayers.
The eating of the goodies doesn't officially begin until the start of the twelve days of Christmas. Essentially this is a religious celebration, but there are surprises and fun for children as well. Even those who aren't religious can enjoy the twelve days of Christmas.
Small, inexpensive gifts for each member of the family are given out on each of the twelve days. There might be Match Box cars for the boys, hair ornaments for the girls, and special treats for Mom and Dad. These small gifts usually cost no more than a dollar but it is fun for everyone in the family to have a surprise.
Christmas cards arrive all through December and are hung around the house. During the twelve days, one card is selected each night and read at the dinner table. Then the family share memories of the person who sent the card and say a prayer to bless the card giver. Each family member, even the youngest, will have a chance to pick a card to be read at dinner. After Christmas, the card reading continues through New Year's Day.
The ornament find game is played in many households. For some the ornament is a dove which brings the spirit of Christ into the home, for others it can be any special ornament. This might be hand made, or purchased new. When the children are asleep the parents hide the ornament on the decorated tree. The day before Christmas the children are supervised as they check the tree for the hidden ornament. The one who finds it gets an extra small gift to be opened on Christmas Eve. To avoid jeolousy some families have refined this American custom. The child who finds the ornament receives a crown and is allowed to select one gift for each family to be opened on Christmas Eve.
Christmas is both a secular and religious celebration in America. Even people who are not Christian enjoy the colorful season by decorating their homes, and preparing to be with friends and family on the holiday. For Christians, the season has a deeper spiritual meaning. Even though we know Christ wasn't born on Christmas, it is the day we celebrate His birth.
Giving 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.
Schools and church groups arrange visits to nursing homes where they sing familiar Christmas songs, and bring small gifts for the patients. Many are handmade. Ribbon, small bells and silk poinsettas put together make pretty corsages for women. Felt santa boots are good for men's lapels. Fabric covered journals and notebooks make good gifts for shut-ins, as well as baskets of favorite foods.
Toy collections across the nation receive tons of donations for children in need, orphanages,and hospitals. Children learn the meaning of giving by shopping with parents for a toy for a child they don't know. What joy it brings to a child's heart to know they are giving to someone less fortunate.
Celebrations usually center on Christmas Eve with Midnight Service. After services the Christmas church bells are rung. Families join for a meal. Ethnic traditions prevail and are preserved for many Christmas Eve celebrations.
Reading is another common thread in American Christmas celebrations. There are households who read 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.
A birthday cake for Jesus is part of many celebrations. Some bring out the cake on Christmas Eve and some on Christmas Day. There is one candle for Jesus. It is lighted and everyone sings Happy Birthday Jesus. Tradition differs. Some families have the youngest child blow out the candle, others have the oldest member of the family do this.
Christmas morning is for the children. European customs mix with modern America to create our own unique American Christmas. There are stockings hung on stair railings, or mantels or some other appropriate place. There are brightly wrapped gifts under the tree. The dinner table is laden with turkey or ham and a wide selection of side dishes.
Whatever customs people have for Christmas the one common factor is family and friends. It is a day to remember our blessings and enjoy the people who are closest to us.
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