The New Year’s holidays are an expected event in the United States, for which preparations are made in advance. However, Christmas is much more important than New Year’s.
The residents of the CIS countries would consider this statement a bit surprising, as these two holidays are of equal importance to them. In these countries, people make major preparations for New Year’s Eve, unlike America.
How do people celebrate New Year’s holidays in America, especially in Houston? What traditions do Americans follow? What are they cooking for the festive table and what gifts are given for their loved ones? Houstonski will tell you more about it.
Arrangements for the holidays
December 25 is considered the first and main winter holiday, as Americans celebrate Christmas on this day. Both children and adults are eagerly awaiting it.
Christmas is a religious festival, but in our modern world, it is loved by all Americans, even those who are not spiritual.
Houstonians start gearing up for the winter holidays in the fall. As soon as Thanksgiving (an important holiday in America, which is celebrated in late fall) passes, preparations for winter immediately begin. Various Christmas gifts, home decor, New Year’s textiles and street decorations start appearing on store shelves.
Usually, already in December, Americans start buying presents, as they are integral components of Christmas. Houston streets are gradually decorated with winter settings, the same happens throughout America. By the end of the month, the city completely transforms into bright colors and becomes a very cozy place. Almost every corner of the house is dressed up. The decorations include New Year’s textiles, table settings, a large Christmas tree with toys, socks hanging by the fireplace, a lot of string lights that are also displayed outside, statues in the yards (in the form of Santa Claus, a deer or a gnome) and a wreath at the front door.
Baking all sorts of sweets is one of the American Christmas traditions. They make gingerbread, cupcakes, muffins and chocolate chip cookies. On such days, passing by private complexes is a great challenge, because you instantly smell pleasant pastry aromas wafting from the houses.
But there is no habit of preparing a full table of food in Houston. After all, most probably know that Americans do not like to cook and spend a lot of time on it. Often, it’s only a few dishes, snacks or pizza.
Christmas and New Year traditions
Throughout the Christmas week, Houston residents are in the festive spirit. Children go on vacation and every day check their gifts by looking under the Christmas tree or fireplace. People have weekends on Christmas and New Year’s Day in the US. All facilities are closed except for public transport.
One of the major traditions is gift-giving. They are put under the Christmas tree during the whole week and opened only on the day of celebration. Santa Claus hides children’s presents in their socks near the fireplace, while kids leave him milk and cookies. Gifts must be wrapped in special paper because this process should be mysterious and captivating.
Houstonians also like to make a vision board for the coming year. They record all their achievements and completed goals for this year and then make up for the next one. The list of must-do tasks often includes: fighting bad habits (quiting smoking), weight loss and sports, self-development, travel, etc…
In the family circle
The way Americans celebrate Christmas and New Year is also different. The first holiday is regarded as a family, full of coziness and winter mood. On this day, all shops and establishments are closed, and the streets are usually empty and quiet. It is because Houstonians stay at home or go to visit their relatives.
Turkey is the most important dish on the festive table. Americans do not cook chicken on these special days as they believe that this bird can bring bad luck. Turkey is usually stuffed and baked with vegetables (potatoes, Brussels sprouts and beans) and served with cranberry sauce. They also cook a Fruitcake with candied fruits, dried fruits and nuts soaking it in rum. There must be gingerbread in the form of little men with white icing of chocolate. Houston residents make different drinks: cocoa or hot chocolate for children and punch or mulled wine for adults.
In the United States and Houston as well, people exchange lollipops shaped like a J letter at Christmas. It resembles a shepherd’s staff and has an important religious meaning.
A delicious meal is followed by a gift presentation. In the United States, it is often called Secret Santa, as the presents are given anonymously. Americans pay special attention to this interesting and joyful process. Gifts can be very diverse, but, as a rule, people give many of them on such days. They can be both expensive (a new phone or clothes) and cheap (New Year’s socks or photos).
The celebration ends with songs and dances. Kids arrange small concerts for parents and guests, where they play musical instruments or sing Christmas songs.
Anywhere else but outside the house
Houston’s New Year’s Eve celebration is very different from Christmas.
First of all, Houstonians do not treat New Year as Christmas, since it is not considered the most important holiday of the year. They see it as rather an ordinary winter night which is a transition to a new chapter in life.
Secondly, as Christmas has already passed (as you remember it is celebrated on December 25), and the gifts have been given, Americans can relax a little.
However, New Year’s Day in the US is a public holiday and January 1 is a day off. But the last day of the year is considered working.
There is no preparation for this day in Houston. Locals do not set the table, they just have some alcoholic drinks, for example, champagne, snacks or fast food.
On New Year’s Day, Houston houses are still decorated with various fairy lights and toys. The festive setting is present from the first days of winter. It is left on the streets and houses until the end of January or mid-February.
Houston residents look forward to New Year’s Eve in different ways. Older generations tend to stay in a family circle while young people celebrate outside the house. For example, there are plenty of venues where they can go, which work all night until the early morning. Also, they can stay at a friend’s house and celebrate with peers.
Locals buy firecrackers, tinsel, fireworks and other things that bring fun. They take all these trifles to the place of celebration.
The less time is left until midnight, the more lively the city streets become. Fairs are open, people organize parades and loud concerts with New Year’s songs and dances. You can go on rides or drink aromatic mulled wine, especially since such festivals have free entrance.
You can also take your kids to the Children’s Museum Houston. Although visiting is possible only during the day, its atmosphere helps to fully immerse yourself in the holiday mood. Various fun performances are arranged for children, which leave good memories of this day.
City restaurants, clubs and hotels often host events or parties on New Year’s Eve, where all visitors fill their glasses to the chime of bells while the first fireworks appear outside the window.