see also: Santa
Claus in America, and
History of Christmas in
America
Contemporary 'Santa Claus' was born in the United States
- thanks to a myriad of artists, writers, legends and
the evolving nature of our country at the time.
'Santa Claus' is claimed to have been the Dutch word for
St Nicholas, Sinterklaas. Although the Dutch had brought
him with them in the 17th century, he did not become an
important person at Christmas until the Novelist
Washington Irving put him in a novel that he wrote in
1809. This first Santa Claus was still known as St.
Nicholas, he did smoke a pipe, and fly around in a wagon
without any reindeer, but he did not have his red suit
or live at the North Pole, he did however bring presents
to children every year.
In 1863 He was given the name Santa Claus and bore the
red suit, pipe, and his reindeer and sleigh.
Now Christmas celebrations vary greatly between regions
of the United States, because of the variety of
nationalities which have settled in it.
In Pennsylvania, the Moravians build a landscape, called
a putz - under the Christmas tree, while in the same
state the Germans are given gifts by Belsnickle, who
taps them with his switch if they have misbehaved.
Early European settlers who brought many traditions to
the United States. Many settled in the early days in the
South, these settlers would send Christmas greetings to
their distant neighbors by shooting firearms and letting
off fireworks. In Hawaii this practice is still in use
as under the sunny skies, Santa Claus arrives by boat
and Christmas dinner is eaten outdoors.
In Alaska, a star on a pole is taken from door to door,
followed by Herod's Men, who try to capture the star.
Colonial doorways are often decorated with pineapple, a
symbol of hospitality.
In Alaska, boys and girls with lanterns on poles carry a
large figure of a star from door to door. They sing
carols and are invited in for supper.
In Washington D.C., a huge, spectacular tree is lit
ceremoniously when the President presses a button and
turns on the tree's lights.
In Boston, carol singing festivities are famous. The
singers are accompanied by hand bells.
In New Orleans, a huge ox is paraded around the streets
decorated with holly and with ribbons tied to its horns.
In Arizona, the Mexican ritual called Las Posadas is
kept up. This is a ritual procession and play
representing the search of Mary and Joseph for a room at
the inn. Families play the parts and visit each other's
houses enacting and re-enacting the drama and, at the
same time, having a look at each family's crib.
In Hawaii, Christmas starts with the coming of the
Christmas Tree Ship, a ship bringing a great load of
Christmas fare. Santa Claus also arrives by boat.
In California, Santa Claus has been known to ride in on
a surf board.
In America the traditional Christmas dinner is roast
turkey with vegetables and sauces. For dessert it is
rich, fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Mince
pies, pastry cases filled with a mixture of chopped
dried fruit.
The majority of Americans celebrate Christmas with the
exchange of gifts and greetings and with family visits.
For many, the day begins on Christmas Eve with the
Midnight Mass. At Christmas it snows in many states, so
dinner is usually eaten indoors. Dinner usually is roast
turkey, goose, duck or ham served with cranberry sauce,
then plum pudding or pumpkin pie followed by nuts and
fruit.
American homes are decorated with holly, mistletoe and
branches of trees, most have a Christmas tree hung with
electric lights, tinsel, baubles, strings of popcorn and
candy canes.
In Colorado, an enormous star is placed on the mountain,
it can be seen for many kilometers around, while in
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a star is lit in early
December.
Polish Americans on Christmas Eve spread hay on their
kitchen floor and under the tablecloth to remind them of
a stable and a manger. When they make up the table for
dinner two extra places are set up for Mary and the
Christ Child in case they should knock at the door to
ask for shelter.
In Philadelphia, a procession called a mummers parade
runs for a whole day with bands, dancers and people in
fancy dress.
There are two homes for Santa Claus in the United States
one is in Tirrington, Connecticut, where Santa and his
helpers give out presents. The other home is in
Wilmington, New York, where a village for Santa and his
reindeer is located.
In Arizona they follow the Mexican traditions called Las
Posadas. Families play out the parts of Mary and Joseph
searching for somewhere to stay. They form a procession
and visit their friends' and neighbors' homes where they
admire each family's Nativity crib. In parts of New
Mexico, people place lighted candles in paper bags
filled with sand on streets and rooftops to light the
way for the Christ Child.
Start your own family
tradition this year by dressing in
Santa Suits or other holiday costumes and visiting
with friends, neighbors and those in need. Tis the
season to spread the cheer!
