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Christmas is, of course, a joyous celebration when people all over the World celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In America, Christmas and its holiday traditions are associated with the families... |
Christmas is, of course, a joyous celebration when people all over the World celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In America, Christmas and its holiday traditions are associated with the families getting together again and this is one of the reasons this day has a major significance in this stressed out world. If you plan to travel anywhere in the United States during Christmas, you will be well advised to make reservations at least a month in advance since everything is heavily booked.
The Stuff That Legends Are Made Of
What then are the legends and holiday traditions associated with Christmas and how do Americans celebrate the festival? Christmas was brought to the United States by the early immigrants. Father Christmas’ name slowly changed to Santa Claus, taken from the Dutch name Sinter Claas. Over the years, Santa Claus acquired his girth, red cloak, white beard, jovial manner and hearty laugh. Children all over the country yearn for a chance to sit on his lap and tell him (loudly, so that their parents can hear) what they want. Santa is also supposed to keep a record of the good and bad deeds of children and decide on his gifts.
Of course, Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas exist only in mythology but they are shining examples of the spirit of giving. Many charitable organizations come forward around Christmas Day to raise donations for the poor, set up shelters and soup kitchens and distribute gifts. Ever since the Three Wise Men brought gifts for the infant Jesus, exchanging gifts as one of the holiday traditions has been central to Christmas.
Traditionally, as one of the holiday traditions, parents read the famous poem – “The Night Before Christmas” to their children. Written by Clement Moore in 1823, this poem is acknowledged the World over as a classic.
A Deluge Of Good Wishes
Yet another holiday tradition is sending cards to your loved ones, friends and colleagues. There is a virtual deluge of cards at the Post Office and all their advice on posting cards and gifts early seems to fall on deaf ears. Vast stacks of cards are posted on the last possible day and they keep being delivered until a few days past Christmas. No one seems to mind very much though if a card is received a few days late.
As per holiday traditions, on Christmas Eve, children all over the country put up their stocking for the gifts Santa would bring along at night. Of course, these stockings have begun to resemble bags, colored just as Santa’s attire and are getting larger as toys increase in size and complexity. Early the next morning, there is a rush as children run to see the gifts Santa has brought.
Many people have begun to comment on the fact that Christmas and its holiday traditions are getting exceedingly commercialized and that it is in danger of losing its spirit. Every year, newspapers stress this point in their articles. There is no doubt that there is a grain of truth in this statement since the hard sell begins weeks before Christmas and children and adolescents are targeted by TV and other media to induce sales. Many, however, do not despair. They see the increasing tilt of celebrities towards charities as an indication that people still value the Christmas spirit.