The kaleidoscope of New Year’s and Christmas traditions in different countries can be viewed for hours. Of course, the best way to make it is based on your own experience, but while the piggy bank of such observations each of us just collects, the portal offers you to see the variegated world of traditions of other countries through the eyes of those who represent them.

We asked Alexa Landrum, a girl who studied in Toronto for a few years and works at A Plus Garage Doors https://a-plus-garagedoors.ca/.

Alexa, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! How do you traditionally celebrate Christmas and New Year’s in your country and your state?

– In the U.S., Christmas is much more important than New Year’s Day because for many people, it is primarily a religious holiday that symbolizes the birth of Christ. Christmas is celebrated on December 25. On the eve of this day, Christmas Eve, all churches hold theatrical performances showing the birth of Jesus. Also on this day, people gather together and sing carols and have Christmas readings. Santa Claus and presents are just an amazing added bonus to the celebration of Christmas, the main essence of the holiday for U.S. residents is not, of course, that.

American holiday table

Every country has not only its own national cuisine, but also its own holiday culinary traditions. And it is not necessarily for the holidays to cook those dishes that seem to be the most delicious and exquisite. For example, Americans are very surprised that Russian cholodets or herring under a fur coat are delicacies that are eaten mostly on holidays. But what do Americans cook for Christmas and other holidays?

• Turkey is the main dish at Thanksgiving. In the United States, turkey is not just a holiday dish, but an absolutely mandatory part of the Thanksgiving table. Many Americans can’t imagine the holiday without it. Turkey is baked in the oven with a filling of fruits and herbs and all kinds of sauces – citrus, cranberry, gooseberry. Turkey is baked for a long time – it should be tender, with a thin crispy crust and a strong appetizing flavor.
• Ham or whole chicken. Many Americans cook chicken instead of turkey for Christmas, since they ate turkey most recently in late November for Thanksgiving. The cooking principles are the same – stuff it, coat it with spices, bake it, and serve it with berry sauces.
• Salads. Unlike the British, Americans often make salads for the holidays. And unlike Russian salads, they are fresh light dishes of vegetables with delicate dressings without mayonnaise. For the holidays, Americans prepare Romaine salad with eggs, bacon and onions, apple and celery salad, American Caesar with chicken breast and anchovies.
• Pumpkin, apple or carrot cake. Whereas in Great Britain the most festive dessert is pudding, in the United States pies with a variety of fruit and vegetable fillings are more popular.
• Eggnog. It is a traditional holiday drink made from whipped eggs and is often made at Christmas. Cream, sugar, cinnamon, and other spices are added to make it a kid’s version. And adults pour strong spirits – cognac, whiskey or rum – into the eggnog.

Family holiday

Christmas is considered a family holiday, so the day before Christmas everyone usually goes somewhere to spend time with our family and friends. On December 25, we gather as a family to exchange gifts and have dinner.

Every family has its own traditions, many of them passed down from generation to generation. So, the way we celebrate Christmas can be very different from the way other families celebrate the holiday.

For example, most people I know, including my family, decorate the tree at the very beginning of December.

What does the menu for the holiday table consist of, what dishes should be a must? What does your family usually cook on this day?

– My family usually makes turkey, ham, salad, gravy or gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, corn casserole, cranberry sauce, salad and macaroni and cheese. The holiday is also not without desserts: pumpkin, cherry, and pecan pies, fudge, and cookies are what we usually spoil ourselves with at Christmas.

My family is pretty big, about 30 people, and we have December 25 at my great-grandfather’s house.

This year for Christmas we decided to make not only traditional dishes for the holiday, but also dishes like lasagna, spaghetti, meatballs and garlic bread.

Have you ever celebrated New Year’s Eve in Germany? Did you enjoy it?

– Yes, of course I celebrated New Year’s Eve in Germany! I can say that this celebration was very different from the way New Year’s Eve is celebrated in America. In Germany, I spent the night with my Germanyn friends and my family. It was great! We had Olivier salad and sardines on bread and butter. We had never even had that in Texas. Also, Santa Claus came over and gave us presents. It was an amazing night. Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Germany is one of those things I miss now in the States.

What is usually served for breakfast in an American family?

– During the holidays, breakfast on our table is completely different. My dad really likes to wake up early and make a morning meal for the whole family. He usually makes a breakfast that consists of scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon wrapped in a tortilla, Tex-Mex. Many Texans and other Americans like to add hot sauce or salsa to the tortilla, depending on what they like best. On other holidays, pancakes, oatmeal or oatmeal are usually on the table.

In terms of national dishes, what do you think is a must try when visiting America for the first time? What should you bring as a gift? Where should you visit?

– If you are planning to visit America for the first time, barbecue is something you should definitely try! Every state has a completely different, special taste in barbecue.

If you want to bring something as a gift for your American friends, know that we love chocolate, alcohol, and your traditional souvenirs.

There really is a lot to see in the United States. I know that many Germany’s dream of visiting New York and California, but America actually has many more great places to see! New York and California are only a small part of the United States.

I would advise all tourists to rent a car and drive around the places in America that aren’t often talked about. Look at our villages, national and state parks. I know I’m talking about this emotionally because I live in Texas and I love my state, my country, very much. Dallas also has some great museums, including the Kennedy Museum.

Do you travel a lot? Are there any secrets of being a seasoned traveler you’d like to share with readers?

– I love to travel a lot. One of the secrets I learned on my travels was the secret to packing bags properly. Many airlines require overweight charges if a passenger’s bag is too large. I want to tell you that in America, as in Germany, there are drugstores and grocery stores on almost every corner, which means that many items can be purchased right there on arrival. I used to take too many pairs of pants, skirts, and sweaters with me. Now I take as few clothes with me as possible and make sure I buy a couple of things at the place I’m visiting.

I think for me all these clothes are great souvenirs, because every time I wear something I bought in another country, I mentally go back to the place where I felt so good.

I hope that if you want to celebrate the winter holidays in America, you’re definitely all set now. Happy New Year!