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Santa Claus was born
in US in the 1860's he was named this as he had
a white beard and a belly, so he was named Santa
Claus as this was the Dutch word for St Nicholas,
Sintaklaas. Although the Dutch had bought 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 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, which is a ship bringing a great
load of Christmas fare. Santa Claus also arrives by
boat.
In California, Santa Claus sweeps 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,
and strings of popcorn and candy canes. |
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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 Torrington, 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.
Courtesy of Santas.net.
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