Santa Claus, Reindeer, and Garland Lights: The Main Symbols of an American Christmas

Christmas in the USA is not just a holiday. It’s an event that people look forward to all year. It’s a moment when time seems to slow down, and worries fade into the background, giving way to magic, light, and kindness. From the end of November, American cities begin a real fairy tale. Streets are covered with a soft blanket of snow, and homes and stores are filled with the glow of thousands of lights. It feels like the whole world freezes to enjoy this warm, sincere atmosphere.

For millions of Americans, Christmas is the moment when the family gathers around the table, when one can momentarily escape the rush and hustle of everyday life. People decorate their homes, bake fragrant cookies, sing Christmas carols, and exchange gifts — but the most important thing is that they share warmth, attention, and care with each other. It’s a holiday where not only traditions matter, but also feelings.

And even if you find yourself in the USA during this time for the first time, rest assured: Christmas will touch your heart. Whether you believe in Santa Claus or not, you will feel that something special is in the air — the spirit of the holiday, filled with sincere joy and faith in goodness.

American Christmas is a cultural mix, where traditions from Europe, Latin American countries, Asia, and other corners of the world intertwine. And all of this makes it especially bright, unique, and truly magical.

Let’s dive into this atmosphere together and discover how Christmas is celebrated in the USA — from decorations and treats to the main traditions and interesting facts.

Decorating Homes and Streets: Sparkle, Imagination, and a Touch of Competition

Americans really love to decorate their homes for Christmas — it’s a whole ritual and, in many cases, a real art. It all starts long before the holiday itself: already at the end of November, right after Thanksgiving, the first garlands, lights, and Christmas wreaths appear.

The facades of houses literally come to life. Hundreds of meters of garlands shimmering in all the colors of the rainbow wrap around railings, windows, and cornices. Not only private homes are decorated, but also apartments, offices, entire streets, and even cars. Especially popular are huge inflatable figures: Santa Claus, his reindeer-drawn sleigh, snowmen, gnomes, and even scenes from popular Christmas movies. In some neighborhoods, you can see entire Christmas installations — with moving figures, music, special effects, and light shows.

On front doors — an obligatory attribute: a Christmas wreath. It is most often made of fir branches and decorated with ribbons, pine cones, dried fruits, and even miniature Christmas ornaments. Inside the houses, the scent of pine, cinnamon, and gingerbread cookies fills the air, while windowsills and fireplaces are adorned with compositions of candles, garlands, and angel figurines.

A special pride of the American family is the Christmas tree. It is usually set up in the living room — by the fireplace or the window so it can be seen from the street. The whole family decorates the tree, and this is one of the most touching and uniting traditions. Every year, both new ornaments and those passed down from generation to generation are hung — with stories, memories, and emotions. On top, there is a star or an angel, symbolizing the guiding Star of Bethlehem.

An interesting element is the Christmas train, which is set up around the tree. Little children love watching it circle under the tree, delivering “gifts” to miniature villages placed at the base.

“Christmas Lights Tour” and Parades

In some American cities, decorations are so grand that special bus tours and walking tours are organized along the “brightest” streets. For example, in New York, there is the Dyker Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, where every street looks like a scene from a Christmas fairy tale. Thousands of tourists come there to see how neighbors compete in creativity and the scale of their decorations. Sometimes, such decorations cost tens of thousands of dollars and require weeks of preparation.

In December, Christmas parades take place across the country. It’s not just a holiday, but grand shows with floats, orchestras, dancers, elves, and, of course, the final appearance of Santa.

The most famous is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, which, although it takes place on Thanksgiving Day, is considered the start of the Christmas season. But every city has its own parade — intimate, cozy, featuring schoolchildren, firefighters, local businesses, and volunteers.

In recent years, European-style Christmas markets have become increasingly popular in the USA — just like in Germany or Austria. Traditional stalls, mulled wine (non-alcoholic or wine, depending on the state), roasted chestnuts, sugared nuts, Christmas music, and the smell of pine. It’s a place where people come for a warm feeling, for handmade gifts, for the sense that they’re not just shopping — but participating in a real Christmas performance.

Christmas in the USA is unthinkable without ice skating rinks. Almost every city opens seasonal rinks in the winter, often with a backdrop of a city Christmas tree, garlands, and music. The most famous include:

• The rink at Rockefeller Center in New York (the one from the movies)
• Bryant Park Winter Village
• Union Square in San Francisco
• Millennium Park in Chicago

In the evening, in the city center, you can encounter carolers — groups of singers dressed in old-fashioned costumes who sing traditional Christmas carols. This may be an organized event or just a group of students gathered for fun. Their songs spread through the streets, gathering passersby who stop, smile, and hum along. It’s all very simple — and that’s the whole point.

In southern states, where snow is rare, shopping malls and city administrations organize "snow nights" — evenings of artificial snow, where it falls from special machines, and children run around, screaming with joy. In cities like Miami or Los Angeles, such snow shows have become a true entertainment — even if it’s only for 15 minutes, it’s a Christmas fairy tale, even if it’s +20°C outside.

Christmas in the USA is not limited to just homes or stores. It spills out onto the streets, turning the entire city — whether a metropolis or a small town — into one big decoration for a heartwarming movie. People smile, drink hot cider at fairs, listen to choirs at town halls, skate to 50s music, and every evening, when they return home, they look at the lights, pause, and feel: here it is, the magic. Real. Yours.

The Holiday Table: The Taste of Christmas in Every Dish

Christmas dinner in the USA is not just food, it’s a whole ceremony, deep in meaning and filled with emotions. It’s a time when the family gathers around the table, and every item on the table has its own significance and history. As with everything in America, the holiday menu is a vibrant mix of different traditions, cultures, and flavors, blending into one very warm and delicious picture.

Although roast turkey is often associated with Thanksgiving, it frequently takes center stage at the Christmas table as well. Large, golden-brown, with a crispy crust and juicy stuffing — it creates a feeling of coziness and celebration. Turkeys are stuffed in various ways: with breadcrumb stuffing, herbs, apples, nuts, or cranberries.

But it’s not all so straightforward — in many families, instead of turkey, they prefer roast ham, glazed with honey, cinnamon, and orange. This results in sweet, caramelized meat — hot, fragrant, and simply melting in your mouth.

Side Dishes Without Which the Holiday Wouldn't Be Complete

If the main dish is the heart of the dinner, then the side dishes are its soul. And here, the imagination of Americans knows no bounds:

• Mashed potatoes
  Fluffy, with butter and cream. It’s often served with thick meat gravy (gravy).
• Casseroles
  Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows — this is no joke, it’s one of the most beloved side dishes! Its taste is a balance between dessert and a side dish.
• Green beans with crispy onions
  Baked with mushroom sauce — a classic on any Midwestern table.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
  Seasoned with garlic, bacon, or even balsamic vinegar.

Despite the abundance of rich and hearty dishes, there is always room on the table for light vegetable salads — often with orange, cranberries, nuts, or feta cheese. Not for the sake of the figure, but for balancing the flavors.

Desserts: The Sweet Magic of Christmas

If you’ve ever been to an American Christmas party, you know: the tables are groaning with sweets. And it’s not just delicious — it’s an aesthetic, a memory, and the scent of childhood.

• Gingerbread cookies
  With cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. They’re often baked as a family, decorated with colorful icing and candies. This is a whole ritual that brings generations together.
• Fruitcake
  Dense, rich, with nuts, dried fruits, and often soaked in alcohol. People either love it or avoid it — there are no indifferent opinions.
• Puddings
  Especially popular in families with British roots. They are prepared in advance, drenched in brandy, and set on fire just before being served.

Drinks: Traditions in a Glass

And of course, Christmas in the USA wouldn’t be complete without eggnog — a thick, sweet drink made from milk, eggs, cream, sugar, and spices. It is served cold or warm, sometimes with rum or bourbon added. Its taste is like a liquid dessert with the aroma of celebration.

For children or those who prefer non-alcoholic options — hot chocolate with marshmallows, spiced apple cider, and of course, tea with cinnamon and cloves.

Do you know what’s most important about Christmas dinner in the USA? It’s not the number of dishes. And not the recipes. It’s the people. The whole family gathers around the table: grandmothers, grandfathers, children, neighbors, friends. Often, those who are alone during the holiday are invited — because Christmas, above all, is about being together.

Gifts and Santa Claus: The Magic That Never Fades

If you ask an American child what they look forward to the most at Christmas, almost everyone will answer: gifts from Santa. But in reality, it’s not about material things, but about the expectation of a miracle, about believing in magic, about the joy of waking up on the morning of December 25th and the thrill of opening the package.

The modern American Santa is an image created from myths, fairy tales, advertising, and history. He comes from the European Saint Nicholas, a kind old man who helped the poor and secretly left gifts for children. In the United States, this image gained recognition thanks to 19th-century illustrations and Coca-Cola's advertising campaigns in the 1930s — a jolly, plump old man in a red-and-white suit with a white beard, riding across the sky in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

1. 01. Letters to Santa
   One of the most touching and important children's activities in December is writing a letter to Santa Claus. In these letters, children not only ask for presents, but also share their achievements, apologize for their mischief, and talk about how they behaved throughout the year.
   Many parents even “send” these letters to Santa's official address in Lapland or use USPS services so the child receives a “response.” This creates the effect of real magic that children sincerely believe in.
2. 02. Cookies and milk for Santa
   On Christmas Eve, children across America set out a treat for Santa on the kitchen table: a plate of homemade cookies and a glass of milk. Sometimes, they add a carrot for his reindeer. And in the morning, they excitedly discover that the milk has been half-drunk, and there are crumbs left from the cookies — this means Santa has been here!
   Parents often secretly crumble the cookies, leave "boot prints," scatter "magic dust" by the fireplace, or write a note from Santa — all to keep the magic alive.
3. 03. Morning of December 25th: The Moment of Truth
   The night from December 24th to 25th is magical. Children go to bed with bated breath. Some can’t sleep from excitement, while others pretend to be asleep so as not to “scare away” Santa.
   In the morning, the whole family gathers around the Christmas tree. Children rush down the stairs in their pajamas, grab the presents, and begin tearing open the packages with excitement and joy. Parents usually film everything on video — such moments stay in memory for a lifetime.
4. 04. What do they give?
   Presents are chosen individually, but most often they include: toys (LEGO, dolls, board games, gadgets), books and coloring books, clothes and accessories, gift certificates or money in holiday envelopes, “personal” gifts: homemade frames, photo albums, engraved jewelry. Sometimes families have a rule: to give “four things”: something to wear, something wanted, something needed, something to read. This helps children learn to appreciate not just quantity, but meaning.
5. 05. Stockings by the Fireplace – Stocking Stuffers
   In the USA, Christmas stockings are not just decoration. They are hung by the fireplace or on the railing, and at night, Santa “fills” them with small surprises: chocolate, an orange, mini-toys, and trinkets. It’s a special pleasure to look inside your stocking and find something unexpected.

The most touching thing is how adults do everything to preserve the feeling of the holiday and belief in miracles for children. For many, it’s a childhood memory they want to pass on. Even those who have grown up and no longer wait for Santa continue secretly wrapping gifts, dressing in red suits, and writing letters from the elves’ names.

Santa in Shopping Malls: A Meeting with Magic

Mid-December is the time when real little islands of magic begin to appear in shopping malls all across America. In every mall, large store, or Christmas market, there’s always a spot where you can meet... Santa Claus himself.

The so-called "Mall Santa" is a professional actor or simply a kind elderly man who puts on a red-and-white suit, glues on (or grows) a beard, puts on glasses, and spends the whole day giving smiles to children. They sit in specially decorated areas — most often on a huge throne chair in the middle of a miniature “North Pole village” with reindeer, snowflakes, and a magical forest backdrop.

For children, it’s an opportunity to talk to Santa in person, sit on his lap, tell him their wishes, and take a memorable photo that will remain in the family album for many years.

Photograph with Santa — A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations

Almost every American family has taken a Christmas photo with Santa at least once. It’s a kind of ritual: first, the line, a little bit of excitement, then — a short conversation, a hug, a smile, and the camera flash.

The photos are often made into special cards, sent to friends and relatives, or kept in personal archives. Many adults later compare their childhood pictures with photos of their own children sitting on Santa’s lap. It becomes a real family story told through Christmas.

Next to Santa, there are usually his “helpers” — elves, also actors in costume, who entertain the children, help with organization, and add even more fairy-tale charm to the experience. They sing, tell stories, dance, and sometimes even put on mini-performances.

Meeting Santa in a shopping mall is more than just a photo. It’s a memory. It’s a moment when a child can touch magic, even if only for a few minutes. And for this, adults put on red coats again and again to bring joy to children.

Music and Movies: The Soundtrack and Cinema of Christmas Magic

When December arrives in America, it feels as if the whole world switches to one frequency — the Christmas wave. Music plays, lights sparkle, cinnamon and pine scent fill the air, and on TV — it's all coziness, laughter, and miracles.

From the first days of December, a musical transformation begins across the country: radio stations switch to holiday formats, stores play themed playlists, and at home and in cars, Christmas hits are endlessly playing.

The most popular songs, without which Christmas in the USA would not be complete:

• "Jingle Bells"
  A lively classic that makes you want to go sledding.
• "Silent Night"
  A gentle, almost prayer-like song, often played with guitar by the fireplace.
• "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey
  The queen of all modern holiday hits, playing in every store and at every family gathering.
• "Let It Snow!", "It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas", "White Christmas"
  Evergreen standards that create an atmosphere of retro-romance.

Family Christmas Movies: A Tradition in Front of the Screen

When it’s freezing outside and the house smells of baking, it’s time for family movie nights. Many families in the USA have a real tradition: on a certain day in December, they gather in pajamas, make hot cocoa, and watch their favorite Christmas movies — the same ones, year after year.

Here’s a list of the most loved and must-watch films:

• "Home Alone"
  An absolute classic. The story of Kevin, who is left home alone and battles burglars, has long become a ritual.
• "Elf"
  A heartwarming comedy about a man raised among elves and his attempts to find himself in New York.
• "The Polar Express"
  An animated story about a boy who travels on a magical train to the North Pole. The music and visual aesthetics of the film are pure magic.
• "Miracle on 34th Street"
  A touching story about how faith in Santa can change the whole world.
• "A Christmas Carol"
  An adaptation of Charles Dickens' novella about the miser Scrooge, who undergoes a mystical transformation on Christmas night.

The meaning of these films and songs is not only in the plot or melody. They bring people together. In these moments, people grow closer — they laugh, share memories, hug, and even shed a tear during scenes of reconciliation and forgiveness.

Many Americans even create themed evenings: they decorate the room with garlands, prepare snacks based on the movie (such as pizza for a "Home Alone" night), and hold a real Christmas “movie night.”

Christmas on the Radio and TV

In addition to music and movies, the USA has special Christmas radio shows, morning programs with holiday episodes, and even 24/7 TV channels that play only Christmas movies and cartoons throughout December.

One of the most popular is Hallmark Channel, which airs dozens of romantic and family-oriented Christmas stories, often with the same plot but different settings: a city girl, a small snowy town, a Christmas miracle, and of course, love. Viewers adore it — ironically and sincerely at the same time.

In the USA, Christmas music and movies are not just background noise. They are a cultural code, a family tradition, a way to connect with what is important: with loved ones, with childhood, with faith in goodness. And even if you’re an adult and cynical — try not to smile in December when you hear “It’s the most wonderful time of the year…”

Magic Christmas Heroes: Who else, besides Santa?

Santa Claus is undoubtedly the star of the holiday. But behind the scenes of magic, there's a whole team of characters without whom Christmas in the USA would be incomplete. Some are touching and kind, others are funny or even a little scary, but each is recognizable and beloved.

1. 01. Reindeer
   Who delivers gifts to children around the world? Of course, the magical reindeer, who are harnessed to Santa's sleigh. The most famous of them is Rudolph, the reindeer with the red glowing nose, who was originally created for a promotional campaign by the department store Montgomery Ward in 1939. Rudolph's story is a kind of Christmas allegory: he was "different," ridiculed by others, but in the end, it was his uniqueness that helped Santa save Christmas on a foggy night.
   Rudolph's story became a children's book, then a song, a cartoon, and an inseparable part of Christmas culture. The full list of reindeer from the original 1823 poem "The Night Before Christmas": Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen, and of course, Rudolph.
2. 02. The Grinch: The Ultimate Anti-Christmas Hero Who Fell in Love with Christmas
   If there's a bit of cynicism in your heart — you probably love The Grinch. The Grinch is a character from Dr. Seuss's book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" (1957), a green grump who lives in a mountain near the town of Whoville. He can't stand Christmas and decides to steal it. But in the end, when he sees that the spirit of Christmas is not just about gifts, his heart "grows three sizes." Film adaptations: the classic 1966 cartoon, the movie with Jim Carrey (2000) — iconic, funny, and widely quoted, and the 2018 animated version by Illumination. The Grinch is a reminder: even if you're not in a festive mood, there’s always room for kindness in everyone's heart.
3. 03. Santa’s Elves
   These cheerful little creatures help Santa all year round: they make toys, record wishes, manage logistics, and of course, keep an eye on the children.
   In the movie "Elf" with Will Ferrell, the main character is a man raised among elves. This portrayal showed America a new side of elves: funny, naive, but incredibly kind. In recent years, "Elf on the Shelf" has become especially popular — a Christmas toy and tradition where the elf "watches" the child, and parents "move" it around the house every night. It’s a challenge for parents and a delight for children.
4. 04. Frosty the Snowman
   Frosty the Snowman is one of the kindest Christmas characters. The snowman comes to life thanks to a magical hat and brings joy and friendship to children.
   He appeared as a character in the 1950 Christmas song, which quickly became a hit, and was later adapted into a 1969 cartoon. Frosty symbolizes the fleeting magic of winter: he melts like snow, but the memories of him warm hearts for a long time.
5. 05. Mr. Scrooge
   The main character of Charles Dickens’ novella "A Christmas Carol" — Ebenezer Scrooge — represents bitterness and greed, but also the possibility of rebirth.
   On Christmas Eve, he's visited by three spirits: of Christmas past, present, and future. Scrooge realizes his mistakes and becomes a generous and kind person. He is a symbol of second chances and the belief that even the hardest of hearts can change.
6. 06. The Little Drummer Boy
   A less visual but still significant character — the little drummer boy, the hero of the popular song "The Little Drummer Boy." According to the story, a poor boy comes to the baby Jesus and can't bring anything but his drumming. His music becomes his gift.
   This character emphasizes the main idea of Christmas: it’s not what you give, but the heart with which you give it.

Each Christmas character is more than just a cartoon figure. They represent values:

• Rudolph — acceptance of one's uniqueness
• The Grinch — inner transformation
• Scrooge — repentance and forgiveness
• Frosty — the fleeting nature of joy
• Elves — devotion and service to others

And together, they form a wonderful mosaic that makes up the true American Christmas — magical, touching, and full of hope.

Religious Traditions: The Spiritual Component

Christmas in the USA is not only about fun and gifts but also holds deep religious significance for millions of Americans. For many, Christmas is not just a cultural or family holiday, but a sacred event that reminds them of the birth of Jesus Christ and the values associated with His arrival in the world. It is considered a time for reflection, prayer, and renewal of the spiritual connection with God.

On Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24th, services are held in churches across America, where Christians gather to honor the birth of the Savior. These are always very solemn and important moments, filled with prayers, hymns, and readings from the Gospels.

In large cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, numerous churches hold Christmas Masses where classic works such as "Mass in B Minor" by Johann Sebastian Bach or "Hallelujah" by George Frideric Handel are performed. These compositions are an integral part of the Christmas tradition for believers.

Important Traditions

• Christmas Eve Services
  Many Americans attend church services on the evening of December 24th. This helps them to set the right atmosphere for the holiday and to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
• Midnight Mass
  For some Catholics and Anglicans, midnight mass holds special significance. It is when the church is full of worshippers, and the building is lit only by candles, creating a sense of closeness and unity.

An inseparable part of Christmas services and traditions is carols and hymns, which are sung in churches all over the world. In the USA, Christmas carols are also widely popular. Classics such as "Silent Night" or "O Holy Night" are sung not only in churches but also on the streets and even in schools. Music plays an important role in creating the spiritual atmosphere that fills the hearts of believers during this magical time of year.

Although Christmas in the USA is not only a religious holiday but also a secular one, it still retains its foundation in Christian tradition. It is a time for reflection on spiritual values, compassion, generosity, and love for others.

New Year in the USA: How the New Year is Welcomed

For most Americans, New Year's Eve is a time for fun, noisy parties, fireworks, and public celebrations. While Christmas is a time for solitude, family gatherings, and spiritual reflection, New Year's Eve, on the other hand, symbolizes transition, renewal, and a fresh start. It is a holiday when the streets are filled with joy, and people greet the new year with high hopes, determination to change something, and the expectation of new opportunities.

1. 01. Holiday Parties and Galas
   Parties are undoubtedly the central element of New Year's Eve celebrations in the USA. People across the country throw noisy parties with friends, family dinners, or gala nights, which are often held in restaurants, clubs, hotels, and other popular places. In New York, traditional large parties take place. But the main "magnet" is, of course, the famous ball drop in Times Square. Tens of thousands of spectators gather for it, and millions around the world watch the event on TV. The moment the ball drops at midnight is accompanied by fireworks and a storm of applause, and thousands of people sing songs and exchange greetings.
   In Las Vegas: the city that never sleeps hosts grand parties, with performances by world stars, concerts, and fireworks lighting up the sky over the famous Strip. In Vegas, there is always an atmosphere of fun and unrestrained celebration.
   In Miami: on the Florida coast, massive beach parties take place on the night of January 1st, often with electronic and dance music.
2. 02. Champagne and Fireworks: Symbols of the Celebration
   It is impossible to imagine welcoming the New Year in the USA without champagne. At midnight, many Americans around the world raise a glass of this sparkling drink to congratulate each other on the start of the new year. This gesture symbolizes renewal, new hopes, and the friends who are close. Fireworks are another inseparable part of the celebration. In many cities, from New York to Los Angeles, stunning fireworks are launched at midnight. Many people take to the streets to watch the sky light up in all the colors of the rainbow, and the cities are filled with the sounds of firecrackers and celebratory salutes.
3. 03.New Year's Resolutions: Determination for the New Year
   The tradition of making New Year's resolutions is very popular in America. At the beginning of the year, many Americans set goals and tasks for themselves — to lose weight, start exercising, quit smoking, or spend more time with family. This is a kind of psychological fresh start for a new stage of life, symbolized by the arrival of the new year, giving people a sense of renewal.

In the USA, there are also food traditions on New Year's Eve. In different parts of the country, specific dishes are eaten, which are believed to bring luck and prosperity in the new year:

• Black-eyed peas and greens symbolize money and wealth.
• Cabbage and wheat symbolize prosperity and abundance.
• Dairy products are for health and longevity.

New Year's Parades are another important element of the celebration. In various cities, such as Pasadena, famous flower floats parades take place, where participants in bright costumes recreate fantastic scenes. These parades are often accompanied by marching bands, dance groups, and shows featuring local celebrities.

For many Americans, New Year's Eve is not just about fun and lights but also about new beginnings. It is a time to get rid of the old and unnecessary, to clean the house, and to prepare for the coming year.

New Year's Eve in the USA is not just a holiday, but a true celebration for all the senses. Fun, lights, champagne, fireworks, traditions, and New Year's resolutions — all of these make the start of the year bright and full of hope. It is a time when the past and future intertwine, and every person feels that new horizons are opening before them.

Christmas in the Old Days in the USA: How the Holiday Was Celebrated in the Past?

Christmas in the United States has not always looked the way we know it today. In the past, the holiday was much more modest, but with certain traditions that gradually developed and became an integral part of American culture.

The first European settlers in America, especially the Puritans, adhered to strict religious beliefs, and Christmas was not considered an official holiday. In fact, the Puritans in New England in the 17th century even banned Christmas celebrations, considering it too secular and linked to pagan rituals. Christmas was seen as a festive occasion with drinking and revelry, which did not align with Puritan views on how days should be spent.

Nevertheless, despite the bans, residents of other colonies, including New York (which was then the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam), continued to celebrate Christmas. However, these were not yet the large public celebrations that became popular in later centuries. During the early years, Christmas in the USA was more associated with religious rituals and family gatherings.

What Did Christmas Look Like in the 19th Century?

• From the beginning of the 19th century, the holiday began to develop and gain more public scale. It was during this period that traditions we associate with modern Christmas, such as decorating homes, exchanging gifts, Christmas markets, and festive meals, started to take root.
• In the 19th century, Christmas traditions from Europe began to appear in America, such as decorating Christmas trees, sending Christmas cards, and adorning homes with lights. The Christmas tree became the centerpiece of the holiday, and decorating it became a family pastime. People hung candles, nuts, fruits, and sweets on the tree.
• It was in the 19th century that the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas began. This practice spread due to the influence of British traditions. However, the gifts were not as expensive as they are today. For example, gifts often consisted of handmade or homemade items like blankets, knitted socks, or baked goods. Children were often given toys made of wood, metal, or fabric.
• Another important tradition became sending Christmas cards. The first mass distribution of Christmas cards began in the 1840s. They quickly became popular, and by the end of the century, every American considered it their duty to send greetings to relatives and friends. These cards were often decorated with Christmas imagery, scenes of the Holy Family, or snowy landscapes.

Christmas hymns and songs also developed in the 19th century. During this period, famous Christmas compositions like "Silent Night", "Jingle Bells", "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing", and other hymns became popular. These songs are still sung at Christmas services and in homes across America. They helped create a special holiday atmosphere and instilled in people the spirit of love and gratitude.

New Traditions

From the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century, Christmas celebrations in the USA began to transform into what we see today: bright festive street lights, large parades, New Year's greetings, and the cultivation of generosity and joy. These traditions gradually merged with earlier ones, but the main direction of the holiday was established: family celebrations, joy, gifts, and heartfelt warmth.

The way Christmas was celebrated in the past in the USA has undergone significant changes, but many of the traditions that originated in the 19th century are still observed today. These traditions reflect important cultural and spiritual values that make Christmas such a special and bright time of year.

Unusual traditions and fun facts

Christmas in the USA is always something new and unexpected. It seems like we already know everything about the lights, gifts, and eggnog, but Americans sure know how to surprise! For example, did you know that in Texas, you can see... bats wearing Santa hats at Christmas? Or that in some cities, giant cacti are used instead of Christmas trees? Ready for a new batch of Christmas madness? Then read on!

1. 01. The main symbol is not just a tree, but the giant from Rockefeller Center
   Every year in New York, a massive Christmas tree (up to 25 meters!) is set up, decorated with tens of thousands of lights. The tradition began in 1931, when workers at the Rockefeller Center set up a small, undecorated tree as a sign of gratitude for their work during the Great Depression.
2. 02. There is a city in the USA that officially changes its name for Christmas
   Every December, the city of Santa Claus, Indiana becomes the epicenter of the holiday: the "Santa's Mail" service operates here, where children send millions of letters, and the streets are decorated year-round.
3. 03. Christmas lights are an American invention
   The world’s first electric light garland was created in 1882 by Edward Johnson, an assistant to Thomas Edison. He decorated a tree with them in his home, and since then, the tradition of lighting up homes at Christmas has spread worldwide.
4. 04. In some states, people eat... KFC at Christmas
   This is a well-known fact in Japan, but in the USA (especially in the southern states), many order fried chicken from KFC instead of turkey. The reason? Easy preparation and nostalgia from a 1970s advertising campaign.
5. 05. "Christmas cocktail" with alcohol and raw eggs
   Eggnog is a traditional American drink made from milk, eggs, sugar, and rum (or bourbon). Its history dates back to colonial times, and today it is even sold at Starbucks.
6. 06. In some US states, there's a law prohibiting Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving
   Some states (such as Massachusetts) officially prohibit the use of holiday lights until the end of November to avoid "interfering" with Thanksgiving.
7. 07. The first Christmas card was created in the USA
   Although the tradition of Christmas cards originated in the UK, the first commercial card was printed in Boston in 1875.
8. 08. In Hollywood, they film "Christmas movies" in the summer
   To meet the premiere dates in November-December, films like "Home Alone" or "Elf" are often filmed in July-August, and actors sweat in winter costumes in +30°C temperatures!
9. 09. In Texas, bats "play" Santa
   In Austin, there is the Congress Avenue Bridge, which is home to the largest urban colony of bats (around 1.5 million!). Every December, they hold "Bat Fest" — the bats are "dressed" in mini Santa hats (virtually, of course) and themed light shows are held.
10. 10. In Arizona, they decorate cacti instead of Christmas trees
    In desert states, where trees don't grow, locals decorate giant saguaro cacti, which can reach 15 meters in height. This tradition is especially popular in Phoenix and Tucson.
11. 11. In Wisconsin, they create a "Christmas tree" from... beer bottles
    In the city of Milwaukee, known as the "beer capital of the USA," local breweries compete to create a tree from empty bottles. The record is more than 8,000 bottles! 
12. 12. In Louisiana instead of snow, there are "Christmas" swamp lights
    In a state where snow is a rare guest, the holiday atmosphere is created with boat parades. Locals decorate kayaks and boats with garlands and float across frozen swamps, creating the effect of "magical lights." 
13. 13. In Alaska, Santa flies not on reindeer but on dog sleds
    In the Far North, there are reindeer, but traditional dog sleds are much more popular. Local "Santas" deliver gifts this way, and in the town of Nome, they even hold "Christmas husky" races.
14. 14. In Nevada, you can meet "Santa Elvis"
    Las Vegas stands out here too: in casinos and on the streets, you can often see Santa dressed in the style of Elvis Presley—with sideburns, in a white suit, and with a guitar.  
15. 15. In California, surfers celebrate Christmas on boards
    The "Surfing Santa" tradition began in San Diego: every year on December 25th, hundreds of surfers wearing Santa hats go into the ocean to "catch the Christmas wave."
16. 16. In New Mexico, they build "snow" dinosaurs instead of snowmen
    In the town of Alamogordo, near the Space Museum, local children build "snow Tyrannosaurus rex"figures as a tribute to local paleontological discoveries.
17. 17. In Maine, they eat... sweet lobsters at Christmas
    Yes, in this northern state, famous for its seafood, caramelized lobsters might be served as a strange but beloved local dessert during the holidays.

Give yourself an unforgettable Christmas with American Butler

Christmas in the USA is a time when hearts are filled with warmth and homes with light and joy. It’s a holiday that brings families together, inspires acts of kindness, and reminds us of the importance of caring for our loved ones.

Want to dive into the atmosphere of a true American Christmas? American Butler will help you plan an unforgettable holiday trip — from booking cozy hotels to taking part in traditional Christmas events.