US Holidays

The American Christmas Traditions

The Dutch knew St. Nicholas as Sintaklaas. When they immigrated to the United States in the 17th century they brought the traditions of St. Nicholas to the USA. However, it was in 1809 that Washington Irving introduced St. Nicholas in his novel with his original description. He smoked a pipe and flew around the world in his wagon (with no reindeers) and gave presents to children every year. And Sintaklaas became popular with this novel.

Santa Claus was basically born in the US in 1863 in his modern incarnation with a white beard, red suit, a big belly, pipe in his mouth and a sleigh to which reindeers are harnessed.

Traditional American Christmas dinner consists of roast turkey with vegetables and sauces, goose, duck or ham served with cranberry sauce and rich fruity Christmas pudding such as plum pudding with brandy sauce, pumpkin pie, mince pies, pastries are offered as desserts followed by chopped dried fruits and nuts. Americans visit family and friends and share gifts and greetings on Christmas.
The Christmas decoration generally includes holly and mistletoe along with Christmas trees decorated with tinsel, baubles, popcorn strings, candy canes and electric lights.

Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday celebrated on December 25th.

For more information you can have a look at the following webpage: http://www.worldofchristmas.net/christmas-world/usa.html

 

New Year's Eve / New Year's Day

The federal holiday is January first, but the celebration already begins on December 31st. In some smaller cities and on the country side you will not find a big celebration: people meet with friends or stay at home and watch TV (in many countries the New Year is celebrated with huge fireworks, but the most important day for Americans is the Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th.).

Those US citizens who are invited to parties usually also watch TV during the party. That is part of the festivities. Most channels show the big cities and their attractions like the Times Square in New York City. Shortly before midnight people start to count down. When it is midnight they hug and kiss and wish everyone a "Happy New Year".

On January first, Americans visit friends, relatives and neighbours. They eat and drink, watch the Tournament of Roses parade preceding the Rose Bowl football game in Pasadena California and simply enjoy the time together.

For more information please click on the following website:
http://usa.usembassy.de/etexts/hol/celebrate.pdf