Christmas Traditions in the US

In the United States, a majority of citizens are Christian and celebrate Christmas. Here are a few traditions that we celebrate across the U.S. : 

• In Pennsylvania, the Moravians build a landscape, called a putz - under the Christmas tree. The word "putz" is from the German "putzen" for "to decorate, especially to adorn a church.

• The city of Winston-Salem, founded by Moravians in 1766, uses the Moravian star as their official Christmas street decoration.

• In Hawaii many families like to eat their Christmas meals at the beach. Sea foods and fresh fruits are popular foods.

• In Alaska, during the holiday season, Alaskans often get together with their families to watch dog sled races.

• The country's national Christmas tree is lit by the President of the United States. This year's event marked the 89th National Christmas Tree lighting. Watch the video below: 

• In Boston, carol singing festivities are famous. The singers are accompanied by hand bells. 

• In New Orleans, a huge ox is paraded around the streets decorated with holly and with ribbons tied to its horns. 

• In Arizona, the Mexican ritual called Las Posadas is kept up.

• In Colorado, an enormous star is placed on the mountain, it can be seen for many kilometers around.

• In parts of New Mexico, people place lighted candles in paper bags filled with sand on streets and rooftops.

• In Pasadena, California, the Tournament of Roses Parade, better known as the Rose Parade, is "America's New Year Celebration", a festival of flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians and a college football game on New Year's Day.

And no matter where you are in the U.S. here are a few traditions that we all celebrate: 

• In America the traditional Christmas dinner is roast turkey with vegetables and sauces. For dessert it is rich, fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Mince pies, pastry cases filled with a mixture of chopped dried fruit. 

• The majority of Americans celebrate Christmas with the exchange of gifts and greetings and with family visits. For many, the day begins on Christmas Eve with the Midnight Mass.

• American homes are decorated with holly, mistletoe and branches of trees, most have a Christmas tree hung with electric lights, tinsel, baubles, and strings of popcorn and candy canes. 

How are you celebrating the holidays this year? Click here for more Christmas celebrations around the world. 

(info courtesy of wikipedia and: http://www.santas.net/americanchristmas.htm)