Christmas Celebrated in the United States

Christmas is celebrated in December 25 in the United States.

Christmas is observed in the United States in diversified ways which can be seen from Christmas
parades, Christmas carols, Christmas lights on the side of streets, and dazzling Christmas gifts in
shopping malls, department stores or small shops. As a multi-cultural country, there are many
different ways of celebration, but in general the majority of families in America celebrate
Christmas in such ways as greetings, family visits, and exchange of Christmas gifts.

Celebratory atmosphere is quite prevailing around Christmas. Long before Christmas, lots of
shopping malls are flooded with Christmas decors, and delicate gifts for Christmas. People are
engaged in strolling around these shopping malls to prepare for this special day. For most
Americans, it is the best time of the year to stay together with family and friends.

Let's have a simple look at three main ways of celebrating Christmas in the United States.

1. Christmas decoration
The exterior of almost every house is often decorated with strings of brilliant and multicolored
electric lights that provide shining glow at night. Inside the house, Christmas tree is as the main
decoration. Tree decoration is often completed together by family and friends, with colored
lights, tinsels, balls, stars and other bright ornaments. Christmas decoration is usually conducted
on Christmas Eve, especially for most people who have to work in the daytime.

2. Christmas dinner
American Christmas dinner mainly consists of these: roast turkey with vegetables and sauces,
beef, ham or pork; green beans, corn, or mashed potatoes; dessert like pies, cakes, baked bread
or cookies. Of course, Christmas dinner also varies for different reasons, such as for the tastes of
each family, or for different regions. Christmas dinner is a great time when family and friends stay
and talk with each other about anything. After dinner, it is also a great time to have some casual
talk while watching snow outside the window as it often snows on Christmas Eve.

3. Christmas gifts
Exchange of gifts is a main part of Christmas celebration to show love and thanks to the ones who
we love. In most families, Christmas gifts are usually placed under the Christmas tree. For kids, it
is a day of great joy as they expect their gifts so much from Santa Claus. After dinner on
Christmas Eve, children do not go to bed until parents hang up stockings on the fireplace or at the
end of their bed. On the following morning when they wake up, they could find many desired
gifts in the stockings like candy, fruit, and other small gifts.

At some places, Christmas Eve or Christmas morning is celebrated by observing Midnight Mass or
attending some church activities.