Between us, the holidays are the most anticipated, right? Christmas in the United States, not to mention! But are the American Christmas customs the same as ours? It is true that this is a global celebration, but the land of Uncle Sam always has a different way of doing things.
Want to find out with us? Here in this publication we'll tell you the best destinations for Christmas in the USA, as well as getting you prepared for all the magic - and snow - you'll find! Get your coat ready and read on!
Christmas traditions in the United States
No doubt the Brazilian people know how to throw a good party, but the North Americans, as far as they are concerned, understand very well how to celebrate Christmas in a magical and mystical way. Those are the reasons:
1. Christmas lunch is more important than Christmas dinner
If in Brazil we plan our Christmas dinner on the 24th of December, in the United States the situation is completely different. North Americans celebrate Christmas with a nice lunch on December 25, right after opening the presents that were, in fact, under the Christmas tree.
2. No Christmas without Christmas Stocking in the USA
In the northern hemisphere, Christmas happens during the winter, so it is quite usual for it to snow in December. That's why most North American homes have fireplaces.
But why are we telling you this? Well, I'm sure you've seen some Christmas movie where people hang stockings or sock-shaped bags over the fireplace, right? This is the custom of Christmas stocking, and it's done in the belief that Father Christmas will come down the chimney and leave little gifts like fruit, sweets, nuts, toys, etc., in these empty stockings.
This tradition comes from a legend that Saint Nicholas - or Santa Claus, Santa Claus -, threw some gold coins down the chimney of a house and three girls were the lucky ones: some coins fell into the stockings that were hanging in the fireplace to dry, and then they won money for their wedding dowries.
No effort is spared there! The stockings are super personalised and incredibly beautiful. It's just waiting for St. Nicholas to show up, isn't it?
3. Under the Mistletoe - the kiss under the mistletoe
In the United States, kissing your loved one under a mistletoe is a sign of luck.
But those who think that this tradition originated in the USA are mistaken: mistletoe is a typical plant from Great Britain, and the Irish are the "owners" of this superstition that today makes an exchange of love, friendship and good humour between the countries of Europe, the USA and Canada.
Looking for a Christmas sweetheart? Look for a mistletoe and a good kiss!
4. Christmas carols are indispensable!
Honestly, there is nothing more Christmassy than Christmas carols! In the USA, carols play incessantly in shops, restaurants and malls during the whole month of December (and nobody complains!), and it's also quite usual to see choirs singing through the streets full of snow songs like Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas (and why not All I Want For Christmas is You, isn't it?).
One detail is that you will see everyone very well heated, because as said, it is winter and there is snow falling. If you are going to live this dream, be prepared with good snow clothes!
5. Christmas jumpers are a charm!
Underneath all that snow clothing most likely everyone will be wearing a beautiful Christmas jumper with designs of snowflakes, reindeer, Christmas trees and even Santa Claus himself. All Christmas symbols are welcome on Christmas jumpers in the United States!
6. Candy Canes - candy canes
The red and white striped candy canes are peppermint. Yes, mint! They are typical symbols of Christmas in the United States, since they make reference to the shepherds' staffs visiting the baby Jesus in the manger.
They are used as decorations, but if you want to eat them, it's free!
7. Christmas decoration becomes a competition!
Another super interesting curiosity, and maybe the reason why Christmas in the United States is so magical, is that the Christmas decorations are true works of art! Ornaments, lights, real pine trees to put up at home... The cities are enchanting!
8. Gingerbread or gingerbread biscuits and eggnog are tradition!
The Christmas biscuits that are left for Santa with a glass of milk by the fireplace are gingerbread! And North Americans love to taste them too. Also, the typical Christmas drink is Gemada (made with run, of course!). It's worth a try!
Best Christmas destinations in the United States
It is extremely easy to get into the Christmas mood just by being in the United States for the holidays, but we want to point out some enchanting cultural destinations for you to visit throughout the month of December. How about a Christmas road trip? Decorate your car too, but don't forget to learn about the peculiarities of driving in the snow, ok?
1. Bernville, Pennsylvania
We'll start with this tip which, at first glance may seem unlikely, but if you're looking for a truly illuminated Christmas experience, this is the right destination.
2. Durango, Colorado
Looking for a destination with lots of snow and a Polar Express? Go to Durango and live a truly idyllic North American Christmas experience!
3. Alexandria, Virginia
Just 20 minutes south of Washington DC is the city of Alexandria, and this is the destination that the biggest Christmas aficionados go to! But that's not all: the independent boutiques on King Street are a sight for sore eyes as you do your Christmas shopping.
If you are driving, our tip is to visit nearby Mount Vernon (former home of George Washington) and marvel at the Christmas lights and carols.
4. Aspen, Colorado
How about having a Christmas party for 12 days in the United States? Each year Aspen holds its annual 12 Days of Aspen with Christmas choir performances, real reindeer, a super-realistic Father Christmas and, to top it all off, you can sample some of America's best hot chocolate and cookies for free at Cooper Avenue.
Go as a family or with friends, and then continue your trip to celebrate New Year's Eve abroad!
5. Park City, Utah
A cool, white Christmas destination perfect for cultural activities, holiday shopping and skiing in the mountains, all in the greatest Christmas mood!
In this destination, walk along Historic Main Street and have fun shopping, but then be sure to stop by Park City Mountain Base and Deer Valley Resort!
I bet you're dying to put on a Christmas jumper, sing Jingle Bell and decorate gingerbreads at Christmas markets, aren't you? There's still time to book your trip, rent a car for the family and live the Christmas magic in the United States, huh! A Happy Tours can help you!
