Holiday Traditions of United States of America

"Merry Christmas"

Holiday Traditions in the United States of America

The United States is often referred to as a "melting pot," where diverse cultures and traditions blend together, and this is especially evident during Christmas. Many of the holiday customs celebrated in the U.S. originate from different countries around the world. Christmas carols come from England and Australia, while the tradition of decorating trees stems from Germany. Santa Claus, or St. Nicholas, in his iconic red suit, has roots in Scandinavia, and his arrival down the chimney to fill stockings is reminiscent of Dutch traditions. The reindeer-drawn sleigh has origins in Switzerland, and the idea of parades may have come from Latin processions. Americans have embraced these traditions, adapting them into a unique holiday celebration that brings joy to millions.

Regional Christmas Celebrations

Despite the blend of international traditions, each region in the U.S. adds its own unique flavor to the Christmas season.

• In New Mexico, ancient American Indian traditions are intertwined with Christmas celebrations. For instance, in the San Felipe Pueblo near Santa Fe, there are unique Christmas Eve dances that incorporate birdcalls, drums, and traditional dances like the deer, turtle, eagle, and buffalo dances. These are performed in full ceremonial dress, with masks, animal skins, and sacred spruce branches representing eternal life.
• The Appalachian Mountains are home to one of today’s most beloved Christmas songs, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Originally a counting song of pagan origin, it has since been embraced in Christmas cards and displays across the country.
• In Hawaii, Santa’s helpers are depicted as "menehunes," the legendary little people who were the first inhabitants of the islands. Christmas in Hawaii features decorated palm trees, fragrant leis, and an indoor Christmas tree adorned with local delights.
• Pennsylvania's Moravian population celebrates Christmas with a unique "Love-Fest." This is a musical service where the congregation enjoys sweet buns and coffee while the choir sings hymns. Candles made of beeswax, symbolizing purity and light, are distributed and raised during the final anthem to "Praise to Our Heavenly King."

Christmas Feasts Across the U.S.

The Christmas feast varies significantly depending on the region. Each part of the country offers its own traditional dishes, contributing to the richness of holiday dining across the nation.

• New England: Lumberjack Pie – a mashed potato crust filled with meats, onions, and cinnamon.
• Pennsylvania Dutch: Sand Tarts – thin, crisp sugar cookies.
• North Carolina: Moravian Love-Feast Buns – a sweet bread made from flour and mashed potatoes.
• Baltimore: Sauerkraut with Turkey – includes apples, onions, and carrots.
• Virginia: Oyster and Ham Pie.
• Southern States: Hominy Grits Soufflé and Whiskey Cake – made with a full cup of 100-proof whiskey.
• Louisiana: Creole Gumbo – a stew that can include ham, veal, chicken, shrimp, oysters, and crabmeat.
• New Mexico: Empanaditas – small beef pies with applesauce, pine nuts, and raisins.
• Hawaii: Turkey Teriyaki – marinated and cooked over an outdoor pit.

Across the nation, Christmas remains one of the most celebrated and cherished holidays, with unique regional traditions adding to the festive spirit. Whether it's the traditional Christmas feast or the time-honored customs, the U.S. offers a wide array of holiday celebrations for everyone to enjoy.

Holiday Traditions in the U.S.A.

Video by USA Today

Traditional Holiday Recipes from the United States of America

The United States celebrates the holiday season with a wide array of delicious dishes that vary by region. Here are a few authentic recipes enjoyed across the country during the Christmas holiday season:

1. Roast Turkey

Roast turkey is a classic centerpiece for Christmas dinner, especially in New England and across the U.S.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 sprigs of fresh thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the turkey with melted butter, inside and out. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Stuff the cavity with lemon, onion, and thyme.
5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
6. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and roast for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, basting every 30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes to brown the skin.
7. Turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

This dish is a Southern favorite for holiday dinners, combining sweet potatoes and marshmallows for a sweet side dish.

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 lbs), peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of water for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain and mash them.
3. Mix in brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Spread the mixture evenly into a baking dish.
4. Top with mini marshmallows and bake for 20 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden and melted.

3. Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a traditional holiday dessert, especially popular in the Southern United States.

Ingredients:

• 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Fold in the pecan halves and pour the mixture into the pie crust.
4. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the pie is set and the crust is golden.
5. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.

4. Eggnog

Eggnog is a classic holiday drink enjoyed by families across the U.S. during Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup bourbon (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined.
2. Add the milk and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly (do not boil).
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cream, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and bourbon (if using).
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
5. Serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.

These recipes offer a taste of the diverse holiday traditions across the United States, from savory roasts to sweet desserts and classic beverages.

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