Christmas in the USA involves several traditions and symbols. Popular decorations include lights, trees, wreaths and stockings. Foods like turkey, cookies and eggnog are commonly eaten for Christmas meals and gatherings. Americans celebrate through religious services, shows like The Nutcracker, and caroling. Children anticipate gifts brought by Santa Claus, who is said to deliver presents down the chimney on Christmas Eve.
4. Religious Symbols & Decorations
Nativity Scene
Angel
Jesus in a Manger
Star
3 Wise Men
Candle
5. American Traditions: Food & Drink
Popular December foods are cookies,
gingerbread men, peppermint candy canes, and
eggnog.
Everyone gets together with their family on the
24th and 25th and eat big meals together which
include turkey or ham.
14. Decorating for Christmas
Most people decorate their houses with
lights and other Christmas symbols.
Cities also decorate along main streets and
squares.
It is popular to drive around town to look at
everyone's lights.
18. Christmas Tree
Everyone has a Christmas
tree in their house in
December.
There are many tree farms
in America and many
people go there to cut
down real trees.
Families decorate the tree
together.
26. Christmas Carols
People who sing
Christmas songs are
called “carolers”.
Carolers often sing
around city centers,
stores, restaurants,
and houses.
33. Story of Santa Claus (“St. Nick”)
Santa is a man who lives in the North Pole
with his wife, “Mrs. Claus”, and elves who
help him make toys for children. He has no
children of his own.
He makes toys all year and every Christmas
Eve he gives them to good children
everywhere.
36. Traditions with Santa
American children
write lists of presents
they would like from
Santa.
It is also popular to
visit Santa to tell him
what you like and to
take a photo with
him.
37. Traditions with Santa
Santa comes down
the chimney and
children leave him
cookies and milk to
say “thank you”.
Every family puts
stockings above the
fireplace for Santa to
put the gifts in.