Christmas Traditions in the United States

In Colonial times the celebration of Christmas was according to the origin of the settlers.  For example the Old English customs prevailed in Virginia, Maryland and Georgia; Dutch, Swedish and German in New York, New Jersey and Delaware.  The Quakers of Philadelphia did not observe Christmas except in a strictly religious manner.  The Puritans brought with them from Cromwell's England the prohibition of a Christmas Celebration.  This philosophy continued in New England for generations.  In 1659 the following law was passed in Massachusetts: "Whosoever shall be found observing any such days as Christmas, or the like, either by forbearing of labor, feasting or in any other way, shall be fined 5 shillings."  This law was not repealed until 1681, and Christmas did not become a legal holiday until the mid-1800's.  

The Christmas Tree is probably the most widely used decoration  in the US - in fact it is likely the tree is more popular in the US than in any other country.  It is odd to think of it now but when the tree was so popular in other countries, in the US, it was thought to be a form of tree worship and no one would have anything to do with it!  Now homes, both inside and out are decorated with lights and decorations.  No thought crosses anyone's mind of tree worship anymore - just how many more decorations we can get on the trees!

The poinsettia seems to be peculiar to the US celebrations of Christmas.  The flower was named for Dr. Joel R. Poinsett, who brought the flower back from a trip to Mexico in 1836.  The plants he brought back were small, wild and weed-like.  They have since

been developed by horticulturists into the beautiful scarlet and white plants we use today.  A many pointed start that has become a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem.  

Christmas in lands of the fir tree and pine,
Christmas in lands of the palm tree and vine,
Christmas where snow peaks stand solemn and white,
Christmas where cornfields lie sunny and bright.
Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas tonight.
~ Phillips Brooks

{I have the complete poem in one of my books.  It just seemed a fitting way to finish this post.}