Traditionally Christmas is observed on 25th December annually to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Both religious and secular holiday, Christmas includes exchange of gifts, Santa Claus, display of the Christmas tree with decorations, and religious ceremonies.

American Christmas Symbols of Christmas tree and Santa Claus

Many American Christmas traditions such as Christmas tree and Santa Claus where adopted from immigrant Christmas customs.

Christmas tree originated in Germany during 16th century. The Pennsylvania Germans gifted the tradition of Christmas tree and Christmas decorations to the Americans.

The legend of Santa Claus, with origins in Europe and was brought by Dutch settlers to New York in the early 18th century.

Traditionally, Santa Claus - from the Dutch Sinter Klaas - was depicted as a tall, dignified, religious figure. In North America Santa Claus, a fat, jolly old gentleman rides a reindeer sleigh and enters the house through chimney and leaves the Christmas gifts in Christmas stockings hung out by children on Christmas Eve.

Recreating and Enacting Nativity Scenes

Recreating Nativity is an important part of Christmas Celebrations. Nativity refers to the birth of Jesus, who was born into a manger in the city of Bethlehem. In some Churches children perform plays depicting Nativity and sing Christmas carols about that event. Many homes also display "Nativity Scene" which is a recreation of the Nativity. These are often part of Christmas tradition that also includes displaying Christmas tree.

Regional and Ethnic Christmas Traditions

As America is a land of immigrants, Christmas customs and tradition across America differ according to region and ethnic background.

For example in Colorado, an enormous star is placed on the mountain, while in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a star is lit in early December. Polish Americans on Christmas Eve spread hay on their kitchen.

In Philadelphia, a procession called "a mummers parade" runs for a whole day. In Arizona they follow the Mexican traditions called Las Posadas.

The greatest variety in the Christmas traditions is in the spread of Christmas feast.

New England has Lumberjack Pie while Pennsylvania Dutch serve Sand Tarts and North Carolina gifts us Moravian Love-Feast Buns. Baltimore serves Sauerkraut with their Turkey. Southern states have Hominy Grits Soufflé and Whiskey Cake. Louisiana's treat is Creole Gumbo. New Mexico has the Empanaditas.