Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas to everyone who create and read this blog!!! Today is the most-awaited holiday for each of us as well as for most countries! So let’s see how it traditionally celebrated in the USA.
For many Americans as well as for many peoples, Christmas is one of the most joyous times of the year. It’s a time when families and friends gather together and celebrated. It is one of the holiest days of the year for them.
Churches
Various churches play an important part in the American Christmas. Many families feel that it is important to go to church on Christmas. There are also a variety of associated activities such as church dinners, live Nativity scenes, choir concerts and special church services.
Food
Food plays an important part in the American Christmas. It is a time of open house for friends who want to bring gifts or just to wish everyone a happy holiday. At this time it is appropriate to offer these guests food and beverage, so many homes have a variety of treats prepared in advance for these occasions. Although many families serve a variety of menus for Christmas dinner, the standard fare includes turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, vegetables, a salad and some sort of dessert.
Decorations
Lots of families also decorate outside of the home with regional traditions and according to the weather. Some forms of illumination are often used on the homes and in the yards during the holidays. There are snowmen, Santa, snowflakes, reindeer, and other lighted displays in many neighborhoods. Others outline the architectural features of their homes in lights.
Lots of families also decorate outside of the home with regional traditions and according to the weather. Some forms of illumination are often used on the homes and in the yards during the holidays. There are snowmen, Santa, snowflakes, reindeer, and other lighted displays in many neighborhoods. Others outline the architectural features of their homes in lights.
Today is the birthday of Sissy Spacek! She is an Academy Award winning American actress and singer. She came to international prominence for her roles as Holly Sargis in Terrence Malick's 1973 film Badlands, and as Carrie White in Brian De Palma's 1976 horror film Carrie (based on the first novel by Stephen King) for which she earned her first Academy Award nomination. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as country star Loretta Lynn in the 1980 film Coal Miner's Daughter. She also received Oscar nominations for her roles in Missing, The River, Crimes of the Heart and In the Bedroom. Spacek is mainly a dramatic actress, but also has made comedies. The films that Spacek has starred in have earned more than $1 billion worldwide.
ReplyDeleteistory of Christmas in United States
ReplyDeleteHistory of Christmas celebration in United States dates back to the 19th century. In 1800s, Christmas was celebrated by Protestant Christians of Czech Republic. During 1830, Christmas started gaining popularity in America. The concept of decorating Christmas Tree came in 1840s. 1860 saw the appearance of Santa Claus - the mythical character with traditional white beard, red suit and round belly. Santa Claus is the Dutch word for St. Nicholas.
Euphoria for Christmas in US
Celebrations begin a month before the festival. People are often seen preparing themselves for the festival gaieties. Shopping centres remain open till mid-night. People escalate the festive mood by participating in various Christmas programmes and activities. Children eagerly wait to be the part of the carnivals in which they dress up like Santa Claus, angels and other creatures. Women also start learning special recipes to add to their Christmas meals.
Christmas Traditions in United States
There are different Christmas traditions followed in United states. Tradition which is common for all is decoration of Christmas Tree. It is often topped by a star which symbolizes the star of Bethlehem. American homes are decorated with holly, mistletoe, branches of trees, lights, images of Santa and nativity of Christ. There is sometimes a crèche placed that represents the stable wherein the Christ child was born.
At some places, Christmas Eve is celebrated by observing Midnight Mass and participating in other church activities like nativity scenes and concerts. Colorful Christmas Day parades also takes place with bands and dancers.
The majority of Americans celebrate Christmas with the exchange of gifts, greetings and with family visits. Carols and songs are famous everywhere. The most popular song sung during Christmas is "The Twelve days of Christmas".
Traditional Christmas Dinner in USA
In United States of America, the traditional Christmas dinner is roast turkey with vegetables and sauces. For dessert it is rich, fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce and pumpkin pies. At Christmas it snows in many states, so dinner is usually eaten indoors.
Christmas celebrations end on a happy note in every Americans house. Before going to bed, people thank god for his grace, wonders and wish for a prosperous new year.
What do people do?
ReplyDeletePeople celebrate Christmas Day in many ways. In the days or even weeks before Christmas Day, many people decorate their homes and gardens with lights, Christmas trees and much more. It is common to organize a special meal, often consisting of turkey and a lot of other festive foods, for family or friends and exchange gifts with them. Children, in particular, often receive a lot of gifts from their parents and other relatives and the mythical figure Santa Claus. This has led to Christmas Day becoming an increasingly commercialized holiday, with a lot of families spending a large part of their income on gifts and food.
Many Sunday schools, churches and communities organize special events. These can include decorating the neighborhood or a shopping mall, putting up a Christmas tree and planning a Nativity display, concert or performance. A lot of plays and songs have a aspect of Christmas as a theme. Some groups arrange meals, shelter or charitable projects for people without a home or with very little money.