A plush pug or Lexus under the Christmas tree. How to celebrate New Year in America Necessary and simple gifts
The main holiday is Christmas. Americans also celebrate the New Year, but with less excitement. However, they attend concerts, watch parades, shop at fairs, and admire colorful fireworks displays.
The history of New Year's celebrations by Americans
Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar in 1582. In the colonies of England, from which the States were then formed, they began to live according to this calendar 30 years earlier. Americans adopted the New Year on January 1 from the Europeans. Traditionally, people walked and had fun there on New Year's holiday.
American New Year's traditions
Residents of the United States imagine the New Year in the form of a baby in a diaper. In their opinion, the New Year develops, matures and ages over the course of 365 days. By the end of December he turns into an old man, He has to transfer his position to the newborn baby. This happens every year.
On the eve of the New Year, residents of America radically change their destiny, deciding from the first days of the new year to live in a new way. Some people suddenly begin to fight their bad habits, including smoking and excess weight. They want to play sports, make peace with relatives, or collect some objects.
The New Year is a kind of temporary launching pad for them.
In the last week before the New Year, Santa Claus walks the streets. He allows children to take pictures with him. And on New Year's Eve he comes to them and leaves gifts. He usually puts them on the fireplace or hides them in a stocking.
Christmas decoration
Americans know no limit to how they decorate their homes and streets. They buy everything: crackers, tinsel, all the pyrotechnics, balloons and sparklers in stores. Their houses sparkle with shiny tinsel and rain. There is a crackle and sparkle from pyrotechnics on the street. There are so many people in the capital that it is difficult to move around.
New Year celebration
Residents of the United States most often celebrate the New Year with their families, among relatives and friends. Young Americans love to attend mass celebrations, where several thousand spectators gather. They are seduced by joyful screams, car horns, bursts of firecrackers, and volleys of fireworks.
New Year's attributes
In 1907, a purely American tradition. Today it is known in many countries. Since then, every year on the last day of December, a minute before the New Year, a large ball is thrown from a height of 23 meters in Times Square. Its flight to the ground lasts a full minute. The last 10 seconds of his fall are unanimously counted down by the spectators who have gathered in the square.
More people are counting down the last seconds of the ball falling sitting in front of my TV. When the ball reaches the ground, the New Year begins. This happens exactly at midnight. The tradition has managed to gain popularity among Americans. Many residents of the capital and its guests come to the square on a fabulous night. They want to watch the ball descend, counting down the last moments of the past year.
Other states and localities
Residents of other cities enjoyed watching the New Year's ball descend. Only they replaced it with their own items. In Georgia, instead of a ball, a big peach falls. In North Carolina, a brass acorn flies from above and weighs 900 pounds. In Strasbourg, a ping-pong ball flies from a height.
Weekend during New Year's holidays
On January 1st people officially do not work in America. All officials, teachers and workers are resting. Only public transport is available. The last day of the expiring year is a working day, except in some states.
New Year's menu
Americans don't worry about holiday food. Turkey, pizza, hot dogs are enough for them, which they supplement with sausage and salads. The United States is divided into six time zones. Therefore, when night falls in the capital, it is still evening in Honolulu.
In terms of its significance, New Year's celebrations in America are significantly inferior. Moreover, if Christmas is considered an intimate and quiet, intra-family holiday, then New Year's celebrations are rather public in nature. Usually New Year in America is celebrated in noisy companies, clubs, bars or city squares. Unlike Christmas, December 31 is not celebrated in most states: restaurants and theaters continue to operate as usual, which means you can have an interesting evening out. New Year is considered primarily a youth holiday; older people are less likely to take part in New Year's festivities. And in conservative religious states, for example, in, it may not be celebrated at all.
The main traditions of celebrating the New Year in the United States were laid down by Dutch settlers who founded New York, so traditionally the most magnificent New Year's celebrations take place here. It is in New York - on Lower Square, next to the legendary Rockefeller Center, that the country's main Christmas tree is installed. Two hours before the New Year, a stunning laser show begins in New York's famous Times Square. Also here you can see an impromptu snowfall of confetti, performances by world-class stars, fireworks and fireworks. The highlight of the evening will be the descent of a huge crystal ball from a 23-meter height, which will touch the ground exactly at midnight. This tradition is over a hundred years old, and in many cities locals have come up with their own equivalents of the New York ball, for example, a huge slice of cheese in Plymouth or a peach in Atlanta.
In honor of the New Year, parades are held throughout the country on January 1. Some of the most famous and oldest of these include the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena and the Philadelphia Mime Parade. The idea of a carnival like the Tournament of Roses could only have originated in the mild climate of Southern California with its warm, snowless winters. All day long, bright platforms covered with garlands of roses move around the city, and the holiday ends with a “Pink Ball” football match. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, actors, dancers, magicians and musicians parade through the streets, glorifying the King of Pantomime.
The celebration of the New Year is of greatest significance for the residents of Alaska, which may be due to traces of the cultural traditions of Russian settlers. In the last week of the outgoing year, the famous music festival starts in the city of Anchorage, attracting the attention of many thousands of tourists from all over the world. And it is in Alaska that the North Pole is located. At the end of December every year, the town with such an unusual name receives hundreds of thousands of letters from children from all over America. The messages are addressed to Santa Claus, whose residence has been here since the late 1940s. All year round the city is decorated in Christmas and New Year style. The names of local streets also remind us of the main inhabitant of the North Pole: for example, St. Nicholas Boulevard and Mistletoe Lane.
New Year's holidays are the perfect time for shopping. Shops will offer seasonal discounts, and in most major cities there will be numerous fairs and Christmas markets where you can buy cute trinkets, decorations and traditional sweets - gingerbread, candy canes, caramel apples.
Some of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday in the United States are an old man, representing the outgoing year, and a baby, symbolizing the coming year. Over the course of a year, the baby ages and on December 31st gives way to the next baby. Obviously, the images of the old man and the baby go back to the ideas of the two-faced god Janus, one of whose faces was turned to the past, and the other to the future. On holiday packaging or Christmas tree decorations you can see images of white doves, meaning purity, faith in a bright future and hope. All day long, the old Scottish song “Auld Lang Syne” is heard on the streets of American cities, which is usually sung in the company of close friends and family.
Traditional US gifts for the New Year are usually symbolic in nature; these can be notebooks, photo frames, scarves, candles and other pleasant little things. At the same time, practical Americans prefer to give gifts along with a receipt, so that if desired, an unnecessary item can be returned to the store. Recently, gift certificates have become the most popular gifts. The game of Secret Santa is also common in America. Its essence is as follows: players agree in advance on the approximate cost of gifts and write their names on pieces of paper. Everyone pulls out a piece of paper with a name and, without showing it to anyone, prepares a surprise for that person. The fun begins after the participants open their gifts and try to name the person who chose this or that item for them.
One of the most popular attributes of the New Year holidays in America is a knitted sweater. Since the end of November, special kits have even appeared in stores that allow you to feel like a designer; they include the sweater itself, glue and decorations. However, even the Americans themselves began to laugh at this traditional symbol: for example, many bars hold competitions for the most tasteless sweater.
The American New Year's table is usually more modest than the Christmas table. It is customary to serve champagne with light snacks - fruits, nuts, sweets and canapés. Midnight on December 31st is usually greeted with a glass of eggnog in hand, this unusual cocktail is prepared from raw chicken eggs, milk and wine. The traditional New Year's meal in the United States is, of course, oven-baked turkey and ham with cranberry sauce. However, it is customary to prepare both dishes for almost all holidays.
Like the residents of our country, on the night of December 31, most Americans take stock, plan important changes in their lives, make solemn promises to themselves, congratulate their loved ones and hope that all troubles and sorrows will remain in the old year.
In America? What do they give for this holiday? You will find out the answers to these and other exciting questions if you read this article.
America is the country that gave the world Santa Claus. Therefore, we can safely say that in the USA they honor the New Year and know how to celebrate it brightly. Of course, numerous gifts and various garlands play the main role in creating a fabulous atmosphere. Now let's talk about how the New Year is celebrated in America; the traditions of this country will also be considered. It is impossible to imagine this holiday without Christmas. After all, it is from this day that winter festivities begin.
Preparation period
As in many European countries, Christmas is celebrated on the night of December 25th. This holiday is considered the most important in the USA.
During the pre-holiday period, a magical atmosphere envelops everything around. On such days, the streets are practically drowned in decorations, and people around them exchange gifts with each other. American cities are immersed in a fabulous atmosphere. At the same time, even those who do not identify themselves with any religion celebrate Christmas.
There is one very important tradition among Americans - to decorate their homes to the maximum.
Moreover, sometimes some people even decorate doghouses in order to make the atmosphere around them even more magical and fabulous. Of course, one cannot do without the image of Santa Claus with his assistants - elves, deer and gnomes. In the yard, people put up Christmas trees (previously decorated) and make big snowmen. A mandatory element in the interior is a festive wreath, which is sometimes created using popcorn. It hangs on the door. On the wreath itself there is usually a wish Merry Christmas.
Glowing garlands make you forget about the night during the Christmas and New Year period, because even in the dark it is light outside. The most important illuminated place is Rockefeller Center in New York. This is where the largest Christmas tree is placed. In addition, there is a free skating rink that is open 24 hours a day. Another peculiarity is that on Christmas everyone is on vacation, for this reason local residents stock up on food and gasoline in advance.
Santa Claus from America
Many people know this grandfather thanks to the famous advertising from the Coca-Cola company. This commercial created a fabulous atmosphere.
Therefore, he was loved not only by children, but also by adults. In addition, the advertisement canonized the appearance of Santa Claus. This old man appeared before us in red pants and a jacket of the same color. The boots of the American Santa Claus were black and patent leather. Santa Claus also has a red cap on his head. Note that the obligatory attributes of an American grandfather are a good-natured smile and a snow-white beard.
Children always leave special red (although sometimes other colors) socks for Santa Claus. They hang them above the fireplace. After all, Santa Claus, as you know, sneaks into the house not through the door, but through the chimney.
How do children usually introduce Santa? American Santa Claus sits on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. Next to him are his faithful companions - elves or gnomes. Many children leave sweets under the Christmas tree for Santa Claus as a sign of gratitude.
Present
There is a tendency in America to buy Christmas gifts early rather than last. This becomes possible thanks to advance updating of the assortment in stores.
For many Americans, buying gifts is an important part of their lives. They give gifts to everyone: friends, colleagues, people to whom they are grateful. The end of the festive dinner at Christmas is marked by the opening of the gifts that were piled under the tree during the week. Santa Claus gives presents to children at night.
Traditions
It is popular among American citizens to give to charity during the holidays. Then they provide assistance to hospitals, shelters and those simply in need. Despite advanced technologies, congratulations are often sent by postcard. Let us note that the tradition of children dressed as angels singing Christmas carols also continues to exist. In almost all families, it is customary to read a prayer of gratitude before eating.
Food
This state, like any other country, has its own traditional dishes that should be on the table. Such dishes include: potato pies, stuffed turkey, bean and cabbage soup, homemade sausage.
New Year in America. Traditions
The main symbol of the celebration is considered to be Baby - a child in a diaper. He lives his entire life in a year, subsequently giving his rights to another child.
What date is New Year's in America? Of course, the first of January. The residents of this country have many traditions associated with the New Year celebration. One rather practical custom for the people of America is to draw up assignments for the next year. During the planning process, they write down goals that need to be achieved in these same 365 days. This list can include anything, from the goal of quitting smoking, spending less money on things, and some more global options, such as buying a house, renovating, getting married, etc.
How is New Year celebrated in America? Let's figure it out now. Unlike Christmas, which is considered a family holiday, New Year is spent more often in clubs and on the street than at home with relatives.
Usually this celebration is accompanied by dancing and fireworks. Everyone should also drink a glass of champagne. A very popular holiday music is the Scottish tune “The Good Old Days.”
So how do they celebrate New Year in America? It is believed that the celebration should begin on December 31st. Since this day is the end of the old year. This event definitely needs to be celebrated. And the next day, January 1st, is also no less important. It is also celebrated. During this period you can see parades. The most grandiose one is held in Time Square, which is located in New York.
Practicality
On average, Americans spend from fifty to $800 on gifts. This could be a cute trinket, accessories, a box of chocolates, or wine or luxury cigarettes.
Note that for practical reasons, New Year gifts in America are presented along with checks.
This is done so that the recipient can return the item to the store if the gift is not suitable. This, of course, leads to huge queues in stores, which is why certificates for a fixed amount have recently become popular. According to them, a person can choose the right thing for himself.
There are Orthodox stores in the New England region. They specialize specifically in Christmas gifts. These Orthodox shops are open 24 hours a day. Therefore, Americans can prepare for the holidays and purchase gifts at any time.
Time Square became famous for its New Year's performance. It has gained fame all over the world since the beginning of the last century. It is on December 31, the last day of the year, that a large ball descends from a great height (more than twenty meters). He is in the fall for exactly sixty seconds. At the last ten people start counting down. After their expiration, the ball touches the ground exactly at midnight.
Conclusion
Now you know how the New Year is celebrated in America, what gifts are given during this period. We also looked at the traditions of this holiday. We hope that this information was interesting and useful to you.
New Year's holidays are celebrated all over the planet, and residents of the United States are not left out either. Since the United States is a multinational state, many traditions originate in the culture and history of other peoples.
When is New Year celebrated in America?
id="d1ce1259">In the United States, the New Year begins at midnight from December 31st to January 1st. And if Christmas is a home, family holiday, then New Year is fun with friends or colleagues, noisy parties.
Parades are held throughout the city, the most significant one taking place in Time Square in New York. By the way, this is where many Americans strive to get to on the last day of December. At 23:59, a special spectacle begins in Time Square - the lowering of the time ball.
How is New Year celebrated in America?
id="75b58df0">Residents buy firecrackers and flashy accessories to attract attention. And most nightclubs organize parties.
The New Year is preceded by a more significant holiday for Americans - Christmas. Therefore, the streets and buildings are already decorated with lights, garlands and fairy-tale figures. There are fir trees in all central squares.
The houses are also decorated, both inside and outside: with various figures of deer, snowmen, garlands, and toys.
A baby in diapers is one of the symbols of the New Year for Americans. This character is present at all holiday festivals and on many postcards.
American New Year: traditions and customs
id="3fd2e1c5">Americans love to make a wish list for themselves that needs to be accomplished - for example, buy a car, join a gym, go on a diet, get a medal in a competition. The notes are saved, they are taken out at the end of the next year and the results are summed up.
People prefer to wander the streets all night and spend time in entertainment venues. Noisy events are held in every park and establishment, so it’s impossible to get bored.
What is customary to give for the New Year in America?
id="50c5a0eb">Americans give each other serious gifts at Christmas, and for the New Year these are usually trinkets and souvenirs, clothes, and sometimes gift cards. It is customary to give large gifts with a receipt; this allows you to return the item in the future if the item did not live up to expectations.
Preparing for the New Year and Christmas in America id="1f16cd0c">
id="1f16cd0c">Christmas and New Year are just around the corner, which means that any respectable American has not only bought and wrapped gifts, but has already forgotten where he put them in anticipation of the holidays.
Preparations for Christmas begin in the US in the summer. It is a fact. Even the Hallmark Channel (which is generally obsessed with Christmas) puts on a Christmas movie marathon in August.
And many families organize “Christmas” in the summer - this is a reason for all the relatives to get together and have a weekend away.
If you are preparing gifts for someone, do not forget to put a receipt in the holiday package. No, not the one that states how much you paid for a pair of socks, but a special “gift” receipt, according to which the product can be returned to the store, receiving instead a certificate for the purchase amount.
Now, before Christmas, it is offered to everyone at the checkout, but throughout the year you can simply ask for it yourself.
In general, a gift certificate to a particular store is a way out of the “I don’t know what to give” situation. Works very well with the male half of relatives.
If you have a small child, then expect three categories of gifts - clothes, toys and books. And get ready for the fact that there will be a lot of gifts.
The packaging is a separate epic. If the gift is in a bag, then light multi-colored paper is placed on top. But often on Christmas Day, offerings are placed in a cardboard box, and only then wrapped in paper and made into bows.
In America, Christmas is not celebrated on December 25th, it is celebrated throughout December. The house is decorated with themed toys (snowmen, deer, candles), a Christmas village and beautiful candles are placed, garlands and socks are hung in front of the fireplace, and most importantly, a Christmas tree is placed. Often more than one.
The Christmas dinner itself can also take place on any date in December, because there are a lot of relatives and you need to visit everyone with guests, include corporate parties, children's parties, fairs, photos in the shopping center with Santa in the schedule...
And the main tradition is postcards.
The first wave is before Christmas. The card contains either a photo of the family or a photo of the child. Cards are made according to a template, printed and sent to all relatives and friends.
The second wave is after Christmas, so you should respond to each gift with a letter of gratitude.
Today I would like to highlight the culture of gifts, talk about how it is customary to give gifts in America, what they prefer to give and how gifts are presented for various events in life. The culture of gifts in the USA is significantly different from Russia; there are special subtleties that you need to know.
Of course, the main holiday with many gifts is. Only for this holiday, Americans are ready to fork out for a good gift, or even more than one. At Christmas, several gifts are usually given to close relatives. For example, one or two small ones and one significant one. This could be a juicer, TV sound system, electronics, home appliances and much more. Usually around Christmas, store shelves are piled high with products at insane discounts. Most appliances and electronics are purchased just after Thanksgiving and before Christmas. During this period, companies make unprecedented profits, and buyers, like crazy, sweep everything off the shelves. This is how the year ends, with profits in the pockets of large corporations, thanks to smart marketing, and satisfied customers, confident that they purchased the product for practically nothing :)
Postcards are often given
Americans often forget to remove the label or hide the price of the item from the gift recipient. There is nothing wrong with this. Usually a receipt is attached to the gift, in case the gift is not liked or not suitable. It will always be accepted back or exchanged for something else in the store. There are special gift checks that do not indicate the price of the product. You will only find out the cost of the gift if you return an unsuitable gift.
Typical brooms from the supermarket :)
Purchased roses here have no scent at all, however, like many other flowers, they are grown with chemical fertilizers using modern technologies. But such flowers last a surprisingly long time. The flower broom comes with a bag of nutrient mixture, which is diluted in regular tap water. This bouquet can last for about two weeks!
Gifts for the occasion and birth of a child are a separate matter. When you are invited to, they additionally tell you in which store the future young family looked for gifts and registered. The scheme is simple - come to the specified store, name the names of the couple in love and they will print out a list of the products they liked. Your task is simple - choose a gift depending on your budget. After purchasing a gift, this product is automatically removed from the list, and no one will buy it again. This method is convenient and good. For me personally, it’s a little crazy that the couple dictates what exactly they want to get for the wedding. No matter how, the gift should be a surprise. Sometimes the bride and groom choose very expensive stores, where the cost of goods is inflated, and, it would seem, only a modest gift can be purchased on a good budget. For example, four wine glasses, since the cost of one glass can reach up to $20.
A Wedding Shower is often done before. The name of the party can be translated as a flow of gifts. The meaning of the party is simple - you bring a gift, again ordered in advance by the future husband and wife, and congratulate them on the upcoming significant event in their lives. At such parties, two parties get to know each other. Not only relatives, but also friends are invited to the party.
Similar showers are held at the birth of a baby. Friends and relatives bring gifts for the baby. The hosts offer light snacks and drinks for guests. This event is called a baby shower.
Of particular importance is the appearance of the gift, how beautiful and elegant the packaging looks. It is not customary to give gifts without packaging. This is considered bad manners. It may be an ordinary gift bag with a lot of wrapping paper inside, but a gift without packaging in America is not a gift at all. The essence is the same - the gift should be a surprise, and I completely agree with the Americans. After all, you must agree that giving gifts is no less, and sometimes even more pleasant, than receiving them! Give each other gifts more often!
