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When it comes to Christmas,
Germany may be considered one of the main countries associated with it but there
is no denying that the USA has played a big role in turning it into what it is
today.
It was the USA in
that popularised the image of Santa that we all know and love, through
Coca-Cola ads in the 20th century. Then there are the Hollywood movies like It’s
a Wonderful Life, Mircale on 34th Street, The Santa Clause and many
others.
There are also some great
Christmas songs such as White Christmas, Last Christmas and of course All I
Want For Christmas.
Christmas in the
U.S. blends traditions from immigrant communities, making it a cultural melting
pot.
Then there are the
United Kingdom’s Contributions, such as Christmas crackers which were invented
in the UK, these festive table novelties are now a staple in many countries.
Also, Charles
Dickens was British, and most people have heard of A Christmas Carol which
shaped the modern spirit of Christmas, emphasizing generosity and goodwill.
Did you know that Queen
Victoria and Prince Albert helped popularize the Christmas tree in Britain,
spreading it across the English-speaking world.
How about that the Philippines
have the world’s longest Christmas season, starting in September. Or that Nordic
countries are linked to Yule traditions, which predate Christian Christmas.
This is so cool! I didn’t realize how much the U.S. shaped the modern Christmas we know, especially with Santa and the movies. I also loved learning about the UK and the Philippines, it’s amazing how different countries have their own unique Christmas traditions.
ReplyDeleteA Christmas Carol is one of my all-time favorite books, Jo-Anne. Yes, we do Christmas in the USA in a big way, but sometimes it can feel a bit too commercialized.
ReplyDeleteYep, the US did a good job of adding the stuff that has nothing to do with why we needed a Christmas...
ReplyDeleteChristmas is definitely a fun holiday in the US--but it is also nostalgic and sweet and positive even if it is commercialized to a great extent. I liked hearing about the UK and the Philippines, too. :).
ReplyDelete