Christmas in the US

Vocabulary:

Christmas tree lot/ Christmas tree farm (n): A Christmas tree lot is a place where you can buy Christmas trees that are already cut down. A Christmas tree farm is a place where you can cut down your own tree.

Ornaments (n): Ornaments are decorative figures tied to strings that are hung on Christmas tree branches. The figures can be anything from globes and stars to animals, Santa Claus, etc.

To crown (v): To put something on top of another thing as decoration.

Icing (n): A sweet and creamy spread used on cakes and cookies.

Sprinkles (n): Small particles of candy used to decorate cakes and cookies.

“To make a point of…”: To intentionally complete an action.

Christmas in the US:
Although Christmas is traditionally a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, most non-Christians in the United States also celebrate Christmas in a non-religious way. In secular celebrations, Santa Claus is the central figure of the Christmas holidays.

Traditions and celebrations:
The Christmas tree is a fundamental symbol of Christmas for Americans. Some families buy their Christmas tree from a Christmas tree lot, or if they live near the mountains, they cut one down at a Christmas tree farm. Once the tree is inside, they decorate the tree with lights and ornaments. The top of the tree is crowned with a special decoration, such as a star or angel. In recent years, re-usable plastic trees have become more and more popular. Many public squares have a very large decorated Christmas tree.

Americans also decorate the outside of their homes with lights. These decorations can vary from simple to elaborate displays that involve mechanic figures, music and fake snow. Families make a point of driving around to the best-decorated neighborhoods in the days leading up to Christmas.

Christmas foods:
Christmas is the season of sweets in the US. Cookies are especially popular. Some are made into Christmas-themed shapes like trees or Santa, and are decorated with icing and sprinkles. A special holiday drink only available in stores during the holiday season is eggnog, made of cream, milk, eggs, and a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg. Interestingly, there are not specific foods commonly eaten across the nation on Christmas Eve and Christmas night, as opposed to Thanksgiving when everyone eats turkey. However, ham, turkey and goose are popular meats to eat on the holiday.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:
Like Thanksgiving, Christmas is a time for American families to gather together. People often have a holiday dinner or party with family and friends on Christmas Eve. Many people, including non-Christians, go to a Christmas Eve church service. Before going to sleep on Christmas Eve, families put out a plate of milk and cookies in anticipation of Santa’s arrival, and often carrots for his reindeer too.

On Christmas morning, families open their presents. Many families hang up stockings, or large and long socks, that are then filled with smaller gifts. These are opened on Christmas morning as well. Christmas night, like Christmas Eve, is a popular night for dinners and parties with family and friends.

Questions:
1.) Where do American families go to get their Christmas trees?

2.) What kinds of tree are more and more popular today?

3.) What do American families make a point to do in the days leading up to Christmas?

4.) Name 2 popular Christmas foods/drinks in the US.

5.) Do Americans eat special food on Christmas Eve and Christmas night?

6.) What do Americans do on Christmas Eve? On Christmas night?