Day 23: USA – Santa, Reindeer, and Holiday Cheer
In the United States, Christmas is a season of sparkle, generosity, and joyful traditions that blend cultures from around the world.
While customs vary across states and families, one image unites them all — Santa Claus and his flying reindeer, dashing through the winter sky on Christmas Eve. Inspired by the 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (better known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"), America's Santa is a cheerful figure in a red suit who delivers gifts to sleeping children with the help of eight reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen.
Homes and neighborhoods come alive with lights, wreaths, and towering Christmas trees — from the Rockefeller Center tree in New York City to small-town displays that draw entire communities together. Stockings hang by fireplaces, cookies and milk are left out for Santa, and presents wait beneath the tree until morning.
For many Americans, the season begins right after Thanksgiving with parades, holiday movies, and caroling. Families bake pies, share turkey or ham dinners, and gather to exchange gifts. In warmer regions, celebrations move outdoors — palm trees may be wrapped in lights, and Santa might even arrive by boat or surfboard!
Whether celebrated with snowflakes or sunshine, American Christmas reflects unity in diversity — a joyful mix of faith, folklore, and festivity centered around family, kindness, and the enduring magic of Santa's sleigh ride.
Fun Facts: Christmas in the United States
🎄 Reindeer Flight: The reindeer first appeared in Clement Clarke Moore's 1823 poem.
🎄 Rudolph's Glow: Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer, joined the team in 1939 thanks to a Montgomery Ward storybook.
🎄 Holiday Lights: Americans decorate over 150 million Christmas trees each year.
🎄 Sweet Traditions: Milk and cookies for Santa became popular in the 1930s during the Great Depression.
🎄 Parades & Pageantry: The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York officially kicks off the holiday season.
