Christmas+Traditions+in+the+USA



Christmas in San Francisco  San Franciscans have a batch of Christmas traditions of their own, including a lighted city skyline and some great musical events.
 * __San Francisco at Christmas!!__ **
 * ** Christmas Tree Lighting: ** Big trees go up at Ghirardelli Square, Pier 39 and Union Square, with the first lighting usually happening right after Thanksgiving1, although in 2010, the Embarcadero Center kicked the season off early in mid-November.
 * ** City Lights: ** The San Francisco skyline along the waterfront gets outlined in lights every holiday season. The best place to see them may be from Treasure Island (the one in the middle of the Bay Bridge).
 * __** Holiday Lights Boat Parade **__** : ** San Francisco's only Christmas parade happens on the water. Best places to see it are Aquatic Park, Pier 39, Marina Green and Crissy Field. The Fisherman's Wharf fleet is also lit every night through the holidays.
 * ** Union Square **** : ** Besides the ice rink and the big tree, don't miss the shop windows surrounding the square and pop into the hotel lobbies to check out their seasonal trappings.


 * LNE **

Santa Claus was born in US in the 1860's he was named this as he had a white beard and a belly, so he was named Santa Claus as this was the Dutch word for St Nicholas, //**Sintaklaas**//. Although the Dutch had bought him with them in the 17th century, he did not become an important person at Christmas until the Novelist Washington Irving put him in a novel that he wrote in 1809. This first Santa Claus was still known as St. Nicholas, he did smoke a pipe, and fly around in a wagon without any reindeer, but he did not have his red suit or live at the North Pole, he did however bring presents to children every year. In 1863 He was given the name Santa Claus and bore the red suit, pipe, and his reindeer and sleigh. Now Christmas celebrations vary greatly between regions of the United States, because of the variety of nationalities which have settled in it. In Pennsylvania, the Moravians build a landscape, called a //**putz**// - under the Christmas tree, while in the same state the Germans are given gifts by Belsnickle, who taps them with his switch if they have misbehaved. Early European settlers brought many traditions to the United States. Many settled in the early days in the South, these settlers would send Christmas greetings to their distant neighbors by shooting firearms and letting off fireworks. In Hawaii this practice is still in use as under the sunny skies, Santa Claus arrives by boat and Christmas dinner is eaten outdoors.

media type="youtube" key="rI2mOFrIwhs" height="251" width="336" MAKARIOS F.

Christmas traditions in the UK
As in the case of most countries, United States of America also observes Christmas on the 25th of December. The festive season typically begins on the fourth Thursday of November i.e. following the Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City. During this day, a spectacular procession with Santa Claus and other dancers and performers, takes place. Thanksgiving officially marks the beginning of the Christmas season.
 * Thanksgiving Day**

Weeks before Christmas, houses are decorated with trees that are beautified with coloured lights, tinsels, bright ornaments, stars and angels. Electric lights are installed in homes, commercial buildings and business centers too. Santa Claus, snowmen, reindeers form a major part of the festivities.
 * City Of Lights**

Since Christmas Eve is not an official holiday in America, offices hold celebrations and parties is spread cheer and joy. But, schools and universities are closed, because of which children take part in the merriment and help their parents with decorations. Roman Catholics attend midnight masses and participate in carols singing. Protestant churches conduct special services with the famous 'manger scene'. As per tradition, children hang up stockings before going to bed on Christmas Eve hoping that Santa would fill it with presents.
 * Celebrations**

The traditional Christmas dinner in USA includes turkey or ham, potatoes or pie. Cakes are mandatory for the occasion; the menu also comprises of crostoli, fried bread spiced with orange peel and 'pfeffernuesse' that is bread made with sweet spices. Baked bread and cookies are additional delicacies. Adults drink a concoction made of cream, milk, beaten eggs, sugar and rum or brandy.
 * Traditional Christmas Dinner**

The story of Santa Claus originated in the United States in 1860's. This name was based on the Dutch word, St. Nicholas. Santa Claus did not become famous until the novelist, Washington Irving, wrote about him in 1809. Santa Claus was made popular in his reddish suit, reindeer, pipe and sleigh.
 * The Legend Of Santa Claus**

Λυδία Γ.

__ PEANUT BUTTER GRAHAM CRACKER BEARS __

Ingredients 
 * 1/2 cup peanut butter
 * 1/4 cup margarine or butter
 * 1/4 cup shortening
 * 2/3 cup granulated sugar
 * 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
 * 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
 * 1 egg
 * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
 * 1 cup all-purpose flour
 * 1/2 cup finely crushed graham crackers (7 cracker squares)
 * Miniature semisweet chocolate pieces
 * Frosting (optional)

Cooking Instructions
 * 1) Beat peanut butter, margarine or butter, and shortening in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
 * 2) Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, and baking soda; beat till combined.
 * 3) Beat in egg and vanilla.
 * 4) Beat in as much of the flour and cracker crumbs as you can with the mixer on medium speed, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Stir in any remaining flour and crumbs with a wooden spoon.
 * 5) For each bear cookie, shape some of the dough into on 1-1/4 inch ball (for body), one 3/4 inch ball (for head), three balls slightly smaller than 1/4 inch (for nose and ears), two 1-1/2 x 1/2 inch logs (for arms), and two 1-1/4 x 3/4 inch logs (for legs).
 * 6) Decorate bears before baking by pressing in chocolate pieces for eyes and paws.
 * 7) Bake in a 325 degree oven for 15 to 18 minutes or till edges are lightly browned.



JESSINA T.