Monday, 8 December 2025

USA and Christmas

 


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.

 

 

19 comments:

  1. 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.

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    1. Yes it is interesting how different things are around the world

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  2. A 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.

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    1. I get that it can feel too commercialized for some people as it can be very in your face at times

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  3. Yep, the US did a good job of adding the stuff that has nothing to do with why we needed a Christmas...

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  4. Christmas 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. :).

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    1. I am pleased that you also feel it is nostalgic and positive despite it also being in you face

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  5. I enjoyed reading this. I always wish for a much simpler Christmas.

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  6. And the world well nearly followed. I like that song White Christmas.

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  7. Christmas in Germany is definitely something everyone should experience once in their lifetime.. it's unbelievable 🎄

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    1. I have. Matter of fact I had my first son while there. What a gift!

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  8. What better way to celebrate the end of every year than with Christmas. It's interesting that it is celebrated all over the world.

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    1. Yes it is an event every man and his dog has heard of

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  9. Interesting post. No one knows how to market a holiday then the US.

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