When do they celebrate Christmas in the USA?

In the USA, Christmas is bigger than New Year's Eve. Stores close, families gather together, towns empty, tickets are booked weeks in advance and the streets are transformed into illustrations of Christmas movies. But what date is Christmas actually celebrated in America, and why do preparations for the holiday begin long before that date? Below are the exact dates and key features of the American holiday.

In the United States, Christmas is officially celebrated on December 25. This day is a federal holiday and is considered the main day of the holiday. It is called Christmas Day - the day when families get together, exchange gifts and have a festive lunch or dinner.

However, the evening of December 24, which is called Christmas Eve, also plays an important role. On this day, Americans finish the last preparations, decorate the house, prepare the holiday table, attend church and gather with relatives. For many families, it is the evening of December 24 that is considered the beginning of the holiday, although the official date of Christmas in America remains December 25.

To visualize the difference between these days, here is a comparison:

Christmas in America is primarily considered a family holiday, not a social event. Most Americans try to spend this day at home or with close relatives, so there is a peak in travel and air travel within the country at the end of December. For many families, this is the only opportunity to get together as a full family for the year.

One key tradition is the exchange of gifts on the morning of Dec. 25. Gifts are put under the Christmas tree in advance, and children open them immediately upon waking up. Adults exchange gifts later, at the holiday table. The gift-giving itself is considered an important part of the holiday and is often accompanied by a shared breakfast or watching Christmas movies.

The religious side of the holiday is also important. Many families attend a Christmas Eve service, even if they rarely go to church during normal times. This is considered part of the tradition, not just a religious ritual.

It is also widespread:
Attending a Christmas Eve service at church on the evening of Dec. 24 or the morning of Dec. 25;

• Sending paper Christmas cards to family and friends;
• Giving to charity and donations during the holiday season;
• Watching Christmas movies and family television shows.

Decorating homes, streets and storefronts well in advance of the holiday has become a separate tradition. Some cities hold contests for the best decoration, and some neighborhoods attract tourists with their Christmas decorations.

Decorating a house for Christmas in the United States is considered not just a preparation for the holiday, but a separate tradition. Many families start decorating their homes at the end of November, right after Thanksgiving. For Americans it is important to create a festive atmosphere not only inside the house, but also outside, so they decorate facades, yards and driveways.

Inside the house, the Christmas tree remains the main element. It is placed in the living room and decorated with balls, garlands, decorative figurines and family toys, which are often passed down from year to year. Gifts are placed under the tree in advance for the morning of December 25.

Several basic types of decorations are commonly used on the outside of the house:

• Lighted garlands on the roof, windows and walls;
• Wreaths and pine arrangements on the front door;
• Glowing figures of Santa Claus, reindeer and snowmen in the yard;
• Decorative ribbons and holiday signs.

In many neighborhoods, decorating homes becomes a real competition between neighbors. Some streets become so famous for their decorations that other residents of the city come there especially to see the Christmas decorations. This has long been part of the general holiday culture and an important element of the Christmas in America atmosphere.

The Christmas table in the United States does not have strictly one obligatory menu, but there are dishes that are considered classic for this holiday. Most families prepare a dense hot dinner, which gathers everyone at one table on the evening of December 25.

The main dish most often becomes a baked turkey or ham. They are served with sauces and side dishes, which can vary depending on the region and family traditions. Also usually present on the table are:

• Mashed potatoes or baked potatoes;
• Corn, green beans or Brussels sprouts;
• Cranberry sauce;
• Bread stuffing with spices.

Special attention is paid to desserts. Apple and pumpkin pies, Christmas cookies, gingerbread and chocolate candy are popular. In many families, children leave cookies and a glass of milk overnight “for Santa Claus” – part of a holiday tradition.
In general, Christmas food in America symbolizes abundance and family comfort, and the dinner itself is considered an important part of the holiday, along with gifts and decorating the house.

Gifts are one of the main parts of Christmas celebration in America. They are given on the morning of December 25, right after waking up, and it is the moment that many children consider the most anticipated of the entire year. Gifts are placed under the tree in advance and signed on behalf of Santa Claus or family members.

The choice of gifts depends on the age and interests of the person, but there are categories that are considered the most popular:

• Toys and constructors for children;
• Electronics and gadgets for teens;
• Clothing, accessories and cosmetics for adults;
• Books, board games and gift cards;
• Sweets and themed Christmas sets.

In many families there is a tradition of making a wish list - a list of desired gifts, which helps relatives to choose a suitable option. Often such lists are sent in advance by e-mail or through special services.

It is important that in the U.S., it is not so much the cost of a gift that is valued, but rather the attention and relevance to a person's interests. Therefore, small but thoughtful gifts are considered quite appropriate and are perceived positively.

Christmas in the United States is easily recognized by the characteristic images and details that appear everywhere long before December 25 – on the streets, in homes, store windows and commercials. These symbols form a recognizable holiday atmosphere and are equally understood by people in different states.

Santa Claus is considered to be the central character of American Christmas. Traditionally, it is he who brings gifts to children on the night of December 24-25, arriving on a reindeer-drawn sleigh. His image is used in decorations, movies, cards and children's books, so for many children he becomes the main “face” of the holiday.

An integral part of Christmas is the Christmas tree. It is set up in the living room, decorated with garlands, toys and a star on top, and under the branches put gifts. Together with the Christmas tree in houses often appear wreaths of needles, which are hung on the front door as a symbol of coziness and prosperity.

A separate role is played by mistletoe, a plant under which it is customary to kiss. It can be seen in doorways, shopping centers and at holiday events. Also popular are Christmas gift socks, which are hung over the fireplace or near the tree, and images of Santa's reindeer, especially Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

All of these elements have long been part of popular culture. They regularly appear in Hollywood movies, Christmas songs, advertisements and school holidays, so even people who have never been to the United States easily recognize an American Christmas just by these visual symbols.

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