In the USA, Christmas season traditionally begins after Thanksgiving Day. On the first Saturday of December there is a spectacular parade in New York city in which Santa Claus arrives to town, marking that event the start of Christmas season.
Christmas was originally a strictly religious celebration but in the United States it has become commercial and a secular celebration. Department stores, shopping malls and small shops are decorated elaborately and they make customers spend a lot money on Christmas presents. However, for many people Christmas has got a strong religious meaning. It is the time of the year when families gather together. Special feelings, such as, generosity and goodwill appear and they are known as the "Christmas Spirit".
In the United States, Santa Claus is usually presented as a cheerful, fat man with a bushy white beard who wears a red coat. He travels in a magical sleigh pulled by eight reindeers and flies all over the world, the night before Christmas, delivering toys and candies to children.
Many families in the United States put up a small pine tree in their homes and decorate it with lights and bright ornaments. On Christmas morning when children wake up, they find their gifts in colourful wrappers under the Christmas tree. The stockings hanging in the fireplace also appear full of candies and small toys.
During this season, many people exchange Christmas cards. The cards are mailed to friends, neighbours, friends and relatives all through December. If you want to send a Christmas card and you are not sure of the recipient’s religion you should choose a card with no religious theme to be politically correct.
Christmas Eve and Christmas are reserved for religious observance and family celebrations. The members of the family gather at home for the annual celebration. When someone is invited to a family party, it is appropriate to bring a small gift for the family. If there are children, sweets and a small gift are appreciated.
The week after Christmas, people go shopping and take advantage of clearance sales in department stores. On New Year’s Eve there are lots of parties in restaurants, bars and clubs all over the United States. Some cities have great outdoor parties that end with fireworks at midnight. The most famous festival takes place at Times Square in New York City.
The first day of the year marks the end of Christmas and people stay home recovering from food and party excesses and watch football on television.
By Elena Reyes ESO 2
