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Here in the United States, we are proud of our customs. We have long standing traditions about many things, but our major holidays can be incredibly impressive. Especially Christmas. People who enter our society from foreign cultures oftentimes do not realize just how important these holidays are to us until they happen, then those people become fascinated as we rope them into the fun. This article will be about some of the “Christmas Classics” of American culture, from holiday foods to movies and traditions. Let’s begin with food.

Traditional Christmas dinners in America are loosely adapted from those of English and German origin. We typically roast a turkey and dressing, goose, or ham, and serve side items like gravy and mashed potatoes or rice, corn pudding, green beans or green bean casserole, yams, pecan pie, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread pudding, biscuits or yeast rolls, and Christmas corn, and a cranberry and pecan salad with brie. And for dessert: fudge!

As for movies, there is Miracle on 34th Steet, White Christmas, Elf, The Santa Clause, It’s A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, and the time honored National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.  These are some of the most beloved movies about Christmas that Americans enjoy watching again and again.  In fact, one of those movies in particular has such a following that it is played during all 24 hours of Christmas Day on the television station TBS (Turner Broadcasting System) and that one movie is A Christmas Story, the timeless tale of a fourth grader growing up, longing for a Red Rider BB Gun, battling bullies and coming of age during a Christmas season long ago. This dear film has engendered a cult following of sorts, if that can be said of something so popular among mainstream populations. Another all time favorite is Home Alone. The story is about a little boy left home alone without an alarm system!

Finally, some traditions.  In America on Christmas Eve, Santa Clause makes his rounds, delivering gifts to people all around the world.  He transported them originally in his flying sleigh, but since his operation went global, it is believed he has enlisted “civilian” couriers to help get his packages out in some areas.  There are also more “no fly zones” above some areas of the country now that prevent unauthorized aircraft from flying over.  No matter how he does it though, Santa gets gifts delivered on time every year.

Those are some traditions of the American community, regarding Christmas.