Every year, Americans have many traditions they do during Christmas time. Over time, these popular traditions have become increasingly creative. The traditions started to change throughout the years into a holiday celebration. Here are the top 5 Christmas traditions Americans celebrate and why;
- Decorating a Christmas Tree
Setting up the Christmas tree is one of the oldest and classic Christmas traditions. Every Christmas, people in the U.S. set up a Christmas tree in their homes, whether they go out to get their tree or buy an artificial one. The tree is then placed in the home, and people let their creativity take over and decorate it with twinkling lights and festive ornaments. People love this tradition because of the excitement of decorating and spending time with their loved ones during the holidays.
- Watching Christmas Movies
Christmas movies have been around for many decades, the first movie was “Santa Claus,” directed by George Albert Smith in 1898. The movie is about Santa Claus visiting a home on Christmas Eve. Although Christmas movies have changed throughout the years, here are some popular ones: Elf, A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Home Alone. The movies make people feel nostalgic and comforted. Christmas movies can also provide social connections with family and friends.
- Baking Christmas Cookies
Baking and decorating Christmas cookies is a fun way to use your creativity to make any design you want. Sophomore, Elizabeth Bonilia states, “I love making Christmas cookies because I love baking and decorating.” Baking cookies can give you creative freedom and experiment with different flavors, textures, and colors. It can also be relaxing and satisfying.
- Building a Gingerbread House
Building gingerbread houses is a fun and creative activity. The houses can be built out of graham crackers and frosting and decorated with different candies and chocolates. After decorating the house, it is a good and even edible treat. Sophomore Noah Quiet said, “I love building gingerbread houses because they taste so good.” Besides the house’s flavor, this activity is a great bonding experience.
- Giving/Receiving Presents
Waking up on Christmas morning, and seeing Christmas presents under the tree is a classic Christmas scene. Whether it’s from your family or friends, receiving gifts from loved ones is a heartwarming feeling. Not only does receiving gifts bring joy, but also giving gifts feels like such an award. Giving gifts to people can demonstrate thoughtfulness and build deeper relationships with them.
Christmas traditions are a fun way to get into the Christmas spirit. They can create a sense of belonging and make new memories. Although there are 5 Christmas traditions listed here, there are lots more you can do during the holidays and even invent your own.
