In the United States, there is nothing like the Christmas season. The nation starts rushing to get ready for the winter holidays as soon as Thanksgiving is over. People will do anything to get into the holiday spirit, from lavish décor to Christmas movies. These ten-holiday customs are our favorites!
1. Adorn the tree
Making a perfect tree is a traditional Christmas ritual, regardless of whether you receive a real or synthetic tree. Christmas trees are among the most classic representations of the holiday season, complete with lights, tinsel, baubles, and ornaments. As you decorate your tree and get into the spirit of Christmas, turn on some holiday music and bring your loved ones around to “deck the halls.”
2. Make some Christmas cookies.
It’s okay to splurge during the holidays! Making and decorating Christmas cookies is a popular custom in the United States. Traditionally, sugar cookie dough is formed into Christmas shapes like wreaths, stars, and trees using cookie cutters. To truly bring out the Christmas season, decorate the cookies with a flurry of red and green icing and sprinkles after they are baked.
3. To Santa (and the reindeer), write a letter.
On Christmas Eve, according to US tradition, Santa Claus is said to tour the world to bring gifts to children worldwide. During a single night, Santa’s sleigh travels across the globe, led by his dependable group of flying reindeer, most notably Rudolph. Many kids send Santa letters requesting specific presents. Families set out cookies and letters for Santa and carrots for the reindeer on the eve before Christmas. After all, all that traveling must leave Santa and his crew hungry!
4. Observe the sparkling lights.
Every home in the United States is turned into a winter wonderland over the holidays. The holiday displays are amazing, full of Santa figurines, nativity scenes, sparkling lights, and much more. Walking or driving around the neighborhood to take in all the lovely decorations is a common custom. Some neighborhoods in New York and Los Angeles, like Dyker Heights in Brooklyn or Candy Cane Lane in LA, truly pull out all the stops!
5. Construct a house out of gingerbread.
A food that isn’t widely known outside of the Christmas season is gingerbread. However, it shines brightly as the centerpiece of a significant tradition: gingerbread house construction! To make things a little simpler, you can purchase a kit from the grocery store or bake your gingerbread from scratch. After assembling your house, decorate it with gumdrops, frosting, and sprinkles. You’ll have a beautiful and tasty creation in the end!
6. Sing carols for Christmas.
Christmas songs, both traditional and contemporary, abound in the holiday songbook. Although it may not be as common, the ancient holiday custom of caroling is still practiced in the United States. However, if you want to spread some holiday cheer, gather some musical pals and sing your favorite carols while you walk door-to-door in your neighborhood.
7. Give and receive presents
During the holidays, giving gifts to the people you care about is a kind and enjoyable way to show your appreciation. Many common gift-giving customs exist, such as “Secret Santa” and the absurd “white elephant” custom. Each participant selects a name at random for Secret Santa, and they covertly purchase presents for the selected individual. Guessing who your Secret Santa is when you get your gift is always entertaining!
8. Wear an ugly sweater
One of the best things about the holiday season is dressing up for parties. It’s fun to look your best, complete with sequins and sparkles, hopefully, but it can be even more fun to show up in a classic “ugly” Christmas sweater, complete with an old-fashioned embroidery or a foolish saying. Look for the ideal hideous knit at a thrift store, find one online with a festive phrase, or make your own; extra points for garland and flashing lights!
9. See some Christmas films.
The ideal way to pass a chilly day is to curl up with your favorite Christmas movies, a blanket, and a hot cup of cocoa. Many holiday films are worth seeing, ranging from timeless favorites like It’s A Wonderful Life to the funny Buddy in Elf Adventure. Even Christmas countdowns on many TV channels feature a new film each night. These are some of our best holiday movie recommendations, which are also excellent for improving your English!
10. Spend time with those you care about.
We have the most fun holiday customs when we celebrate them with our loved ones. Being with your favorite people enhances every activity, whether it’s decorating the tree, baking cookies, caroling, or watching a classic holiday film on the couch. The season is a time to express gratitude, think back on the previous year, and spend time with loved ones, regardless of the holidays you choose to observe.
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