How do Americans Celebrate Christmas?
Millions of Americans celebrate Christmas on December twenty-fifth. It is the most widely celebrated religious holiday in the United States. Many people think Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. To all, it is a special day of family, food, and exchanging gifts. For many people, Christmas means traveling long distances to be with their families.
Christmas is probably the most special day of the year for children. One thing that makes it special is the popular tradition of Santa Claus. Young children believe that Santa Claus is a fat, kind, old man in a red suit with white fur. They believe that — on the night before Christmas — he travels through the air in a sleigh pulled by reindeer. He enters each house from the top by sliding down the hole in the fireplace. He leaves gifts for the children under the Christmas tree.
Home and family are the center of the Christmas holiday. For many people, the most enjoyable tradition is buying a Christmas tree and decorating it with lights and beautiful objects. On Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, people gather around the tree to open their presents. Another important Christmas tradition involves food. Families prepare many kinds of holiday foods and eat these foods on the night before Christmas and on Christmas Day.
In America and around the world, Christmas offers many opportunities to spread the message of “peace on earth, good will toward men.” For example, some people stand outside malls and stores collecting money for the needy. Many churches and other organizations collect toys and clothes as Christmas gifts for poor families. The Christmas spirit encourages people to help each other in many large and small ways.
