Christmas

December 25

Christmas is a Christian feast celebrated on the 25th of December as the birthday of Christ. Even though many Americans are not Christians, they celebrate this day by adorning their homes, putting lights in the yard, erecting Christmas trees, and giving each other presents and holiday cards. I must say that Christmas for Americans (the vast majority of them being religious) is much more important than New Year.

USA is a country, where people from many cultures and nationalities have settled in. Due to this diverse culture and traditions, the Christmas celebration in the country has its own local influence. For example, in New Orleans, a huge ox, decorated with ribbons around its horns, do the rounds of the streets and a Santa Claus also sweeps on a surf board. The President of United States lights up a huge, magnificent tree in Washington DC. Boys and girls in Alaska carry a big star with poles and lantern move from house to house singing the Christmas carol. A Christmas tree ship, stuffed with Christmas fare and Santa Claus in a boat starts off the Christmas celebration in Hawaii. A large star is placed on a hill in Colorado during Christmas. In California, people congregate in the Kings Canyon National Park and celebrate it. In St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city of U.S white light is used during the celebration except the decorated Live Oak tree in the town square. But the streets are thronged with processions of dancers, bands and people adorning the fancy dresses throughout America. People also exchange Christmas gifts and delicacies.

Despite having been influenced by a variety of cultures and traditions, the Christmas celebration in USA, has evolved into an occasion of merriment and fun by all sections of the society. The Christmas tree, with arrays of lights, is an accepted forms an important aspect of the celebration. The homes also sparkle with lights of various hues and colors. Snowman and Santas are also displayed on many houses. Foods also form part of the fun and frolic during Christmas day. Turkey is regarded as a favorite dish on that day. Friends are invited and feasts are held that include variety of delicacies. The restaurants also serve many ethnic foods in different parts of the country. All the members of the family visit the church on that day.

The federal government in USA has declared the Christmas as a public holiday.