What do you know about new year christmas etc traditions in the united states etc

American Christmas Traditions

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Christmas is a holiday that is packed with rich traditions and history. Every year more than 400 million people around the world celebrate the holiday known as Christmas. Many people who don’t embrace the religious aspect of Christmas still enjoy decorating a tree and exchanging gifts.

Here are a few of the more popular Christmas traditions their explanations and origins.

Movies

Even though the holiday is celebrated around the world by many diverse people groups and in various ways, some traditions are uniquely American. For instance, Americans tend to watch movies and special programs around the Christmas holiday time. These special shows provide a chance to relax and get in a holiday mood during what can be a stressful time of year.

Some of the favorites include «A Charlie Brown Christmas,» director Frank Capra’s «It’s a Wonderful Life,» «The Christmas Story,» «Home Alone,» «Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer,» «Frosty the Snowman,» «The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,» «Elf» and «A Miracle on 34th Street.» In addition to these older films, Hollywood usually opens blockbuster films during this time of year with hopes that Americans will be in the mood to go to the movies. As you plan your holiday schedule, keep watching these great movies, enjoy fire-side chatting, and continue eating popcorn.

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The Spruce / Ana Cadena

The Christmas Tree

A decorated tree is usually one of the first decorative signs that the Christmas holiday season has arrived. These evergreen trees may be natural or artificial and are decorated with all types of baubles, lights, tinsel, garland, and ornaments to suit each family or organization’s particular taste.

The history of the modern-day Christmas tree is not comprehensive; however, we do know that there were reports of evergreen trees being decorated in Estonia and Latvia as early as the 15th century. A Christmas tree decorating party is always a great idea for holiday fun. Invite each guest to bring along a unique ornament and have fun with music and light fare as you trim the Christmas evergreen.

Candy Canes

Those delicious candy treats date back as far as 1670, in Cologne, Germany. The most popular account is that a choirmaster wished to quiet the children in his church, Cologne Cathedral, during their yearly Living Cherche tradition each Christmas Eve. He reportedly commissioned a local candy maker to create what he referred to as sweet sticks for the children.

He specified that they should have a crook at the top of each stick, to remind the children of the shepherds who visited the baby Jesus. He also specified that he should use the color white to teach the children about Christianity and remind them of Jesus’ sinless life. This trend caught on quickly and spread throughout Europe where other congregations began to hand out the candy canes during nativity plays.

The candy cane’s peppermint recipe was first published in 1844, and it was first mentioned in a work of literature in 1866. The earliest patent for a candy cane machine was filed by the Bunte Brothers of Chicago, Illinois, in the year 1920. The candy cane is a popular alternative to bulbs and ornaments for Christmas tree decorations in America.

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The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Gift Giving

The association of gift-giving with Christmas goes back to the original Christmas when the Magi brought gifts to the Christ child. These gifts—frankincense, gold, and myrrh—were given to the baby Jesus for his security and in goodwill.

Today, those who celebrate Christmas carry on the tradition of giving to others for the joy of giving. Many believe that the Christmas holiday has become so commercialized that there is no longer the altruistic purpose behind the practice of giving. As you buy gifts and give during Christmas, do so in the spirit of etiquette and the Golden Rule of doing unto others as you would have them to do unto you.

Christmas Cards

Sending and receiving Christmas cards is a great way to communicate with friends and loved ones who live far away. They let people know that you are thinking of them and hoping for their best during the Christmas holiday season. Within the United States of America, more than two billion Christmas cards are exchanged annually.

Christmas is the number one card-selling holiday of the year. The phenomenon that began around 1822 in America caused the Superintendent of Mails to declare that he would have to hire an additional sixteen mailmen to handle the delivery of the handmade Christmas greetings. By the year 1843 London was producing and selling commercialized Christmas cards. Most of these cards were costly. Regardless, most people loved the idea and Christmas cards are still immensely popular to date.

Don’t forget to mail yours out with a special handwritten greeting for that extra personal touch. You might want to buy some extra cards to send out when you remember people you forgot to put on your list.

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Christmas Traditions in the United States

Christmas is indeed that time of year. Holiday jingles have been on endless loop since before Thanksgiving. The rush of Black Friday has given way to a last-minute scramble to buy presents for distant cousins you only see once or twice a year. The ornaments and stockings are all hung with care and many a little tot is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa. Each of these holiday traditions make Christmas special. What activities do you hold most dear? What are those things you simply can’t celebrate without? In this special holiday guide, we’re taking a look at traditions in the United States. Decorating the tree, mailing cards, wrapping gifts, eggnog, etc. Come along as we reminisce about fond memories and offer some tips on staying safe in the face of COVID-19. We’ll also toss in a few holiday vacation destination recommendations for good measure. This is our guide to Christmas traditions in the United States.

What Makes a Tradition?

Traditions come in endless variety. There are those adopted by large numbers of people such as giving gifts during Christmas. Then there are intimate, family-specific traditions such as always playing a particular game, watching the same movie on Christmas Eve, or buying a Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. Essentially traditions are what we make an effort to pass on from generation to generation. They may not even be acknowledged as such. Why does your family do what it does during the holidays? Well, because that’s what you’ve always done, right? Traditions are in-part how we define our lives and acknowledge the links between past, present, and future. Making a point to identify your traditions can imbue them with extra meaning. This year, take a moment to recognize the traditions large and small without which, for you, Christmas simply wouldn’t be Christmas.

Traditions Large and Small

The Christmas Tree

You can be sure the holidays are around the corner when the Christmas tree makes its annual appearance. Among Americans who make a point of having a tree, there exists a stark divide between those insisting on a real tree and those who favor the reusable variety. This author’s extended family was firmly in the latter camp. Our tradition involved mom or dad bringing the tree box down from the attic, dusting it off, and reassembling the pieces in a corner of our living room. Nothing about this seemed unusual or any less meaningful. For us, our Christmas tree was as “real” as any other. It was ours. Of course, there are those for whom the holiday magic begins when the family all piles in the car and drives to the local Christmas tree farm. There’s something special, even romantic, about walking rows of stoic green pines looking for one with just the right shape. Once found, the swift swipe of a sharp axe or the gasoline smell from a rumbling two-stroke engine heralds the newest addition to the family. Packed up and strapped to the car, everyone imagines how it will look all dressed up.

Decorating the Tree

No matter whether you were a real or reusable tree family, decorating its many branches with ornaments, lights, and candy canes was a joyous experience. Over the years, the collection of ornaments always seemed to grow. There were the commemorative bulbs and figurines parents purchased while on summer vacation. Maybe it was a White House ornament you got on a trip to Washington DC, or one the kids made in school. There were the ones labeled Hallmark and the multi-year runs of “collector’s edition” decorations from some big-box retailer. Everyone had their favorites and competition for prominent branches could be fierce. Many a devious sibling was known to slyly rearrange a few over the coming days and weeks too. Still, there was one decoration that stood above the others. It was the starring attraction, the headline performer perched at the very apex of the tree. Every time you went to someone’s house, you always made a point to see whether their crowing ornament was better than your family’s. The tradition in most households is to use some sort of star or angel to adorn the top of the Christmas tree, a symbolic nod to the Star of Bethlehem mentioned in Christian biblical canon.

Decorating the House

Elsewhere around the house, holiday decorating involves stringing up a length of Christmas lights, hanging stockings by the fireplace, and adding the decorative bit of snow or sparkle to various nooks and crannies. Giant inflatable snowmen would appear in the neighborhood alongside elves and Santa sleighs complete with all the reindeer, even an illuminated red nose for Rudolph. If you’re of a certain age, you might remember endless frustration trying to untangle the Christmas lights you promised yourself last year you weren’t going to just haphazardly toss in a box after New Year’s. Then there was the beguiling search for the one damaged bulb that left a large portion of the strand dark. Kids today can count themselves fortunate modern LED lights suffer no such drawbacks, though this has all but eliminated what for many was very much a Christmas tradition.

Black Friday and Giving Gifts

Are you one who adores scouring for bargains and hunting the year’s hottest items with ruthless determination? Is Black Friday a personal quest, a challenge to be faced and conquered? Do you forego some Thanksgiving enjoyment if it means better preparation and planning for Black Friday? Everyone knows the annual spectacle wherein a few localities achieve ignominious recognition for Black Friday fisticuffs or near stampedes. Watching grizzly reports on nightly newscasts or now blasted across social media is part and parcel of this annual holiday tradition. Spectators revel in the entertainment while congratulating themselves for remaining above the fray. Once Black Friday passes the freneticism gives way to a relentless march towards store shelves, cash registers, and virtual bazaars as Americans look to encapsulate a year’s worth of memories or estrangement with a gift communicating some personalized combination of heartfelt attachment and begrudging obligation towards the recipient. If you’re the type to stress about gift-giving, it’s perfectly acceptable to offer general gift cards or cash. Consider adding a personalized message either in-person or via a card to show you care.

The Christmas Party

Holiday parties tend to come in two basic flavors. Those celebrated among family and close friends, and those awkwardly celebrated at the workplace. Each is full of its own traditions. Family get-togethers run the gamut between relatively stodgy affairs and raucous occasions powered by liberal servings of bourbon in the eggnog. Cataloging idiosyncratic family traditions is a Sisyphean task. Here are ones that made a lasting impression on us over the years. In homage to the classic 1983 film «A Christmas Story,» some families venture to a Chinese restaurant in the days leading up to Christmas for a hearty meal and some laughter. In places where the weather permits, there’s the family snowperson-building contest. Or the simple family movie night featuring such favorites as «Home Alone,» «Miracle on 34th Street,» or the best Christmas film of all-time «Die Hard.» Time spent among family and friends is what makes the holiday season memorable. Take a moment this year to recognize the traditions you hold most dear. You might even use that as a topic of conversation during the dreaded holiday office party. People lucky enough to enjoy their jobs and coworkers, take a moment to empathize with everyone else. Office parties can be downright mundane or, in the extreme, soul-crushing affairs. This year companies may elect to forego the ritual and it would certainly come off as reasonable to decline an invitation due to health-related concerns.

Holiday Vacation Destinations

2021 has been another trying year. A well-timed holiday vacation may be just want you need to bid good riddance to all the trials and tribulations. Here are a few recommendations to consider.

Новогодние традиции Великобритании и США

Новый год в Великобритании

В Соединенном королевстве Новый год отмечается в ночь с 31-го декабря на 1-е января. Дата празднования Нового года была определена в 1752 году, а до тех пор его приход праздновали на Рождество – 25-го декабря.

Традиционно, этот праздник отмечают не так пышно, как Рождество. Тем не менее, британцы с энтузиазмом ожидают наступления Нового года, в большой степени потому, что им представляется шанс продлить рождественское настроение, расставшись с ним на целый год уже после окончания новогоднего праздника.

Как празднуют Новый год

В наше время самый распространенный способ празднований Нового года – организация новогодней вечеринки, на которую приглашают всех членов семьи и близких друзей. Также, тематические ночные вечеринки устраивают на дискотеках, в пабах, клубах и барах.

Первое января также знаменуется великим множеством тематических вечеринок, карнавалов, концертов живой музыки и фестивалей сальсы.

New Year in Great Britain

In the United Kingdom, the New Year is celebrated from the evening of December 31st into January 1st.

The date was declared as the New Year in 1752. Before 1752, England celebrated its New Year on Christmas Day, that is on December, 25.

Traditionally it is not as widely celebrated as Christmas. However, people enthusiastically wait for the time of the New Year to arrive; more so because it offers them a chance to carry forward their celebration mood of Christmas ahead and higher with the New Year celebrations.

New Year Celebrations

In the present time, the most common trend is to organize a house party on the New Year midnight where everyone from the family and close friends is invited to be a part of it. Also, special midnight parties are organized in discotheques, pubs, clubs, and bars.

New Year day also see lot of theme parties, carnivals, live concerts, and salsa dance celebrations occurring in different parts of Great Britain.

Встреча Нового года

Как только в полночь часы на Биг-Бене пробьют двенадцать раз, все присутствующие как на самой вечеринке, так и во всем доме и даже на улице начинают кричать, свистеть и шуметь, приветствуя наступление Нового года. После этого приходит черед взаимных поздравлений, поцелуев и объятий. Все дружно поднимают бокалы за официальное начало нового года.

Подается обильный ужин, шампанское течет рекой, устраиваются красочные фейерверки – всё погружается в праздничную атмосферу песен и танцев в эту самую главную ночь в году. В полдень первого января начинается новогодний парад, в котором принимают участие тысячи британцев, а среди них – танцоры, барабанщики, акробаты и музыканты. Праздничное шествие проходит по улицам Уайт-холла, Пэлл-Мэлл и заканчивается на Беркли-сквер.

New Year Arrival

As soon as the clock on the Big Ben in the midnight rings twelve, everyone present in the party, in the house, in the streets shout, whistle, and create noise to mark the arrival of the New Year. It is followed by greeting everyone around by hugs and kisses. A drinking toast is raised by everyone in concert to officially get into the celebration grove.

Lavish meals are served, champagne flows in, creative fireworks are done, and everyone gets into the singing and dancing atmosphere on the biggest night of the year. New Year Parade which initiates on the noon of the New Year day saw thousands of people participating in it, with dancers, drummers, acrobats, and musicians. The parade moves through the streets of Whitehall, Pall Mall, and eventually concluding at Berkley square.

First Footing – традиция «первой ноги»

В Великобритании существует традиционное поверье, что тот, кто первым ступит на порог дома в новом году, принесёт его обитателям удачу на весь предстоящий год. Эта традиция носит название «First Footing» – «первая нога».

Подчиняясь этой традиции, британцы молят Бога о том, чтобы первым гостем их дома в новом году стал молодой, здоровый и симпатичный брюнет. А вот женщины и люди обоего пола со светлыми или рыжими волосами в этот день гости нежелательные – считается, что они могут принести неудачу на весь год. Также, традиционно считается, что иностранцы приносят счастье.

Кроме того, если первый ступивший на порог принесет уголь, деньги, хлеб, соль или омелу, это также будет считаться признаком удачи и богатства, которые ожидают хозяев дома в будущем году.

Как повелось издавна, первый ступивший на порог должен следовать определенным обычаям и традициям. Согласно поверьям, the first footer (первый вошедший) должен попасть в дом через парадную дверь, а выйти через черный ход. Не говоря ни слова, без единого пожелания хозяевам дома (и ответных пожеланий) он должен подбросить принесенную древесину в камин, положить хлеб на стол и налить воды главе семьи. А омелу, по традиции, первый гость должен преподнести одному из домочадцев.

First Footing

In Great Britain, there is a traditional belief that whosever first arrives at the threshold of the household will be the one bringing good luck to the lives of the inhabitants of the household living in, for the entire coming year. The tradition is called as «First Footing».

As a part of «First Footing» tradition, the Brits pray for young, healthy, handsome, and a dark haired male to be their first arriver of the New Year. However, a woman, a blonde, or a red colored person is not welcome for the day, as they are considered to bring bad luck for the entire year. Traditionally, strangers are also thought to bring good luck.

More so, if that person carries coal, money, bread, salt, or holy mistletoe with him, then it is considered to be a sign of a good luck and prosperity for the rest of the year.

Traditionally, the first footer is meant to follow and abide by certain customs and traditions. Few of them as mentioned in legends states that the first footer should always enter into the house from the front door, and should exit from the back door. Also, the first footer, without speaking or wishing to anyone or vice versa, should place the fuel (as carried along) on fire, should place loaf on the table, and should pour in water for the head of the household. Tradition also calls for gifting of the mistletoe by the visitor to any household member.

Другие новогодние традиции Великобритании

Популярна также традиция обмениваться новогодними подарками и пожеланиями. Но поскольку Рождество празднуется всего несколькими днями ранее, этот обычай в наши дни теряет своих поклонников. Кроме этого, существует традиция «сжигания куста» (burning of bush), символизирующая прощание со всеми неприятностями, случившимися в прошедшем году и начало новой счастливой жизни. Есть ещё один обычай – в первый день нового года дети встают рано утром и обходят соседей, распевая новогодние песни.

Other New Year Traditions in the UK

There is also a popular tradition of exchanging New Year gifts while wishing each other. However, with Christmas day falling few days before the New Year day, this tradition of exchanging gifts is now less followed. Then, there is a tradition of ‘burning of bush’, which is considered to be a symbol of burning of all past evils and making a new beginning. Other than this, the New Year morning see young kids waking up early, and then making rounds of neighborhood while singing New Year celebration sings.

Американские традиции празднования Нового года

На первый поверхностный взгляд, американский Новый год может показаться братом-близнецом своего британского аналога. В конце концов, основная часть новогодних традиций, таких как обязательный обратный отсчет секунд перед наступлением Нового года, звон бокалов в новогоднюю полночь и праздничная трансляция новогодних фейерверков, довольно универсальны. Тем не менее, существует и несколько различий. Первая – различие во времени. Американский Новый год приходит на несколько часов позже британского.

Нью-Йоркская площадь Таймс-Сквер (Times Square) – классическое место проведения торжественной церемонии спускания шара (Ball drop ceremony). Во время церемонии хрустальный шар Waterford Crystal (название дизайнерской фирмы, его изготовившей) спускают с небоскреба One Times Square: с последним ударом часов он достигает уровня земли. Этот обычай (а он возник в далеком 1907 году), вероятно, следует считать эквивалентом полуночного боя часов на Биг-Бене, чей прославленный колокольный звон приветствует приход Нового года.В некоторых районах Америки, еще одним «звуковым эффектом», сопровождающим празднование Нового года, может быть звук ружейной стрельбы в воздух. И эту стрельбу устраивают не марширующие оркестры и не военные – стреляют простые местные жители. Конечно, практика палить в небо, со всеми сопутствующими этому опасностями, во многих районах Америки запрещена.

В первые моменты (а, на самом деле, и дни) после новогоднего праздника, в США, – как и в Великобритании, – существует традиция желать окружающим счастья в новом году. Но Америка не была бы Америкой, если бы не хоть немного не видоизменила привычную фразу “Happy New Year!”. В США считается модным завершать это пожелание притяжательным ’s: “Happy New Year’s” – предположительно, это сокращенный вариант фразы “Happy New Year’s day!” («Счастливого новогоднего дня!»).

Но как бы ни звучало это пожелание, многие американцы, – в частности, на юге, – уверены, что шансы на успешный новый год можно существенно повысить, включив в новогодний ужин так называемый черноглазый или коровий горох (black-eyed peas) и зелень (greens). Многие люди считают этот обычай своеобразным обрядом смирения, которое привлечет богатство и достаток в наступающем году.

«Прыгающий Джон» (Hoppin’ John) – так называется традиционное новогоднее блюдо, подаваемое в южных штатах США. Его готовят из черноглазого гороха, риса, лука и бекона.

То, что осталось от «Прыгающего Джона» на второе января, называют «Скачущая Дженни» (Skippin’ Jenny) – это блюдо также символизирует бережливость, которая будет вознаграждена богатством в новом году.

Всем известны фразы: “Peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold» – «Горох – к пенни, зеленые овощи – к долларам, кукурузный хлеб – к золоту».

“Eat poor that day, eat rich the rest of the year.» – «В этот день ешь бедно, а в остальные дни года – богато».

“Rice for riches and peas for peace» – «Рис к богатству, горох – к миру».

American New Year Traditions

On the surface, American New Year traditions might appear to present fewer pratfalls than, say, those of Christmas Day. After all, a good portion of New Year customs, such as the obligatory countdown, the clinking of glasses and the televised fireworks displays, are fairly universal. However, there are a fair few differences as well.

First, there’s the time difference; Americans chime in the New Year some several hours after the citizens of Great Britain.

Times Square is an iconic setting for what is known in the United States as the “Ball drop”, in which a Waterford crystal ball descends from atop One Times Square, reaching its destination on the stroke of midnight. It is perhaps America’s equivalent of Big Ben’s midnight chime, which famously heralds the arrival of the New Year with a series of gongs.

In parts of America, another sound ringing in the New Year might be that of rifles firing into the air. And these are not the rifles of marching bands or military personnel, but local residents. Of course, the practice of shooting skyward, with all its inherent dangers, is one that is outlawed in many parts of America.

In the moments (and indeed days) following New Year celebrations, it is customary in the United States – just as it is in Britain – to wish people well in the New Year. But America wouldn’t be America without offering a slight variation on the familiar phrase «Happy New Year!». It is fashionable in the states to conclude this phrase with a possessive ‘s’ – as in «Happy New Year’s» – presumably as a shortening of «Happy New Year’s day!».

Whichever way it is said, however, many Americans – particularly in the south – believe that your chances of having a good New Year are improved dramatically by eating black-eyed peas and greens. Many consider the consumption of black-eyed peas and greens to suggest humility, ahead of a year of wealth and good fortune.

The traditional New Year’s dish served in the Southern United States is named Hoppin’ John. It is made with black-eyed peas and rice, onions, and bacon.

On the day after New Year’s Day, leftover «Hoppin’ John» is called «Skippin’ Jenny», and further demonstrates one’s frugality, bringing a hope for an even better chance of prosperity in the New Year.

Well-known phrases are, “Peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold”, «Eat poor that day, eat rich the rest of the year», «Rice for riches and peas for peace»

Современные новогодние традиции

New Year Resolutions – новогодние зароки

Когда старый год близится к концу, мы подводим итог прошедшему и делаем выводы на будущее. Множество людей обещает себе начать новую жизнь: бросить вредную привычку, похудеть, изучить иностранный язык.

К примеру, вот ТОП-10 самых популярных новогодних обещаний, которые дают сами себе жители США:

И хотя число тех, кто ежегодно дает себе торжественные новогодние обещания, довольно высок (45%), выполнить их получается только у 8% самых целеустремленных. Тем не менее, если всё-таки верить статистике, люди, которые привыкли давать «новогодние зароки», в 10 раз чаще достигают своей цели, чем те, кто даже не удосуживается их сформулировать. Похоже, эту прекрасную новогоднюю традицию давно пора перенять и нам: давайте в этом году поставим перед собой новые ответственные цели, – возможно, связанные с изучением языка, – и будем к ним стремиться (тем более что в случае неудачи у нас будет еще какое-то количество шансов «обновить клятвы»).

Secret Santa – Тайный Санта

Существует интересная современная традиция, очень распространенная в рабочих коллективах. Называется она «Тайный Санта» и состоит в анонимном дарении друг другу рождественских и новогодних подарков группой людей (чаще – сотрудников одной компании).

Никто не может ответить на вопрос, как и когда именно появилась эта традиция, но первым «тайным Сантой» считают американского филантропа Ларри Дина Стюарта (1948 – 2007). Миллионер Стюарт, в течение двадцати лет совершавший анонимные добрые дела, когда-то, ещё не будучи миллионером, испытывал крайнюю нужду. Владелец одного из ресторанов пожалел Стюарта, накормив его однажды бесплатным обедом; разбогатев, Ларри, в память об этом случае, решил помогать людям, не называя своего имени.

Странные новогодние традиции

Листья омелы под подушкой – верный способ найти мужа (Ирландия)

Большинство ирландок, мечтающих выйти замуж, практикуют довольно странный обычай. Они кладут под подушку листья растения-паразита (в то же время являющегося одним из символов Рождества) – омелы. Именно так, по всеобщему убеждению, и можно заманить в дом привлекательного холостяка. А ещё – отпугнуть от дома всяческие неудачи.

Просмотр британского шоу «Dinner for One» (Германия)

Начиная с 1972 года, по необъяснимым причинам, жители Германии каждый Новый год смотрят старинное британское шоу «Ужин на одного» (1920 г.), иначе счастья в новом году им не видать. Происхождение этого обычая неясно даже для самих немцев. Но смотрят это чисто британское шоу практически все включившие телевизор в новогоднюю ночь – а это одна треть всех жителей Германии. В результате, шоу попало в книгу рекордов Гиннесса как самая популярная в мире передача.

Черный кролик, белый кролик

В последние секунды уходящего года в Йоркшире говорят: ‘Black rabbits, black rabbits, black rabbits‘ («Черные кролики, черные кролики, черные кролики…»).
А после полуночи – ‘White rabbits, white rabbits, white rabbits‘ («Белые кролики, белые кролики, белые кролики…»). Причем тут кролики? Да какая разница – главное привлечь удачу. А тут уж любые кролики средства хороши.

Auld Lang Syne – традиционная новогодняя песня

Каждый год 31-го декабря в Британии повторяется один и тот же ритуал. Как только Биг-Бен бьёт полночь, люди по всей стране берутся за руки и затягивают старую добрую песню Auld Lang Syne. Что же значат эти слова? И что означает эта песня для жителей Великобритании?

Auld Lang Syne – старинная шотландская песня, впервые записанная в восемнадцатом веке. Наибольшую популярность эта песня приобрела в версии шотландского поэта Роберта Бёрнса, поэтому авторство приписывают ему.

Слова Auld Lang Syne в переводе со старошотландского означает «былые дни» или «прошедшие времена».

Далее мы приводим оригинальную версию песни, её перевод на «правильный» английский и самый известный и удачный, по мнению многих, перевод на русский язык:

Auld Lang Syne

Оригинал
(версия Роберта Бёрнса)

Перевод на современный
английский язык

Перевод на русский язык
(С. Я. Маршак)

Should old acquaintances be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

Chorus
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne,
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And there’s a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie’s a hand o thine
And we’ll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang sine

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne,
We’ll tak a cup o kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

Should old acquaintances be forgotten
and never remembered
Should old acquaintance be forgotten
For times gone by

Chorus
For times gone by, my dear
For times gone by
We will take a cup of kindness yet
For times gone by

And there is a hand my trust friend
And give me a hand of yours
And we will take of a goodwill drink
For times gone by

For times gone by, my dear
For times gone by
We will take a cup of kindness yet
For times gone by

Забыть ли старую любовь
И не грустить о ней?
Забыть ли старую любовь
И дружбу прежних дней?

Припев:
За дружбу старую – до дна!
За счастье прежних дней!
С тобой мы выпьем, старина,
За счастье прежних дней.

Побольше кружки приготовь
И доверху налей.
Мы пьем за старую любовь,
За дружбу прежних дней.

Припев:
За дружбу старую – до дна!
За счастье юных дней!
По кружке старого вина –
За счастье юных дней.

С тобой топтали мы вдвоем
Траву родных полей,
Но не один крутой подъем
Мы взяли с юных дней.

Переплывали мы не раз
С тобой через ручей.
Но море разделило нас,
Товарищ юных дней.

И вот с тобой сошлись мы вновь.
Твоя рука – в моей.
Я пью за старую любовь,
За дружбу прежних дней!

А изучить произношение этой песни вы сможете, подпевая ещё одному великому шотландцу – Роду Стюарту:

Читайте также:

На Рождество огромная елка устанавливается на Трафальгарской площади в Лондоне. Хвойную красавицу каждый год привозят из Норвегии в качестве благодарности за помощь во Второй мировой войне.

Christmas in America

Do you want to impress your loved ones under the Christmas tree with your knowledge about the holiday season in America? In this article, you will learn everything you need to know, but also some fun facts about Christmas in the USA.

The time before Christmas

US citizens are eagerly awaiting the holidays weeks before the event: with lavish decorations, hearty food, and, of course, the American’s favorite hobby during Christmas time, Christmas shopping. Of course, they remain true to their all-time favorite motto – BIGGER IS BETTER!

Christmas decoration

Since people in the USA usually prefer to go big, glittering lights not only illuminate busy streets and shopping malls. Houses and front-yards are sometimes transformed into true Christmas wonder worlds full of flashing lights, artificial snow, Santa Clauses, and reindeer sleighs. The biggest Christmas lovers among the Americans even pay electricity bills of several thousand dollars for their passion.

The joy of decorating does not stop at the doorstep but also brings a festive atmosphere to the interior of American homes. The Christmas tree is the centerpiece, of course.“Elf on the shelf», an about 20 cm tall flexible doll, is very popular with families: the little fellow moves into American living rooms at the end of November to observe and report to Santa Claus whether the children were well-behaved.

Christmas atmosphere

America’s best-known Christmas decorations attract around 125 million people to the Rockefeller Center in New York City every year. The tradition dates back to 1931 when construction workers first set up a small, decorated tree on the building-ground. Today, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree usually measures a whopping 20 to 30 meters and is adorned by more than 25,000 glittering lights. In addition, breathtaking XXL Christmas decorations and an ice skating rink will get you in the right mood to buy gifts for your loved ones.

Christmas movies

When it’s cold outside and the lights of the Christmas tree flicker inside, many Americans like to make themselves comfortable on the sofa and watch one of the traditional Christmas movies on TV. Classics such as Charles Dickens’ «A Christmas Carol» (1938), «It’s a Wonderful Life» (1938) or «Miracle on 34th Street» (1947) are as much a part of an American holiday season as humorous comedies such as «The Grinch» (2000), «Kevin Alone at Home» (1990), «Elf» (2003) or National Lampoon’s «Christmas Vacation» (1989).

Christmas hits

Of course, the holiday season also includes the Christmas sounds. Songs like «Last Christmas» by Wham!, «All I Want for Christmas Is You» by Mariah Carey, or «Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree» by Brenda Lee can be heard all December long, from the morning drive to work to do shopping in the evening. By the way, the best-selling Christmas song of all time is Bing Crosby’s White Christmas, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide since 1947.

Christmas markets

In many American cities, you can shop for presents at Christmas markets and, at the same time, warm yourself up with a hot drink. Among the most beautiful Christmas markets in the USA are:

Christmas towns

The Christmas celebration in the USA

In the United States, as all over the world, the holiday season brings the family together. Everyone enjoys a Christmas dinner together, listens to festive music, and gives each other gifts. What is different about Christmas in America? Here is a short overview:

Santa Claus, Rudolph and Co.

The person responsible for gifts in America is Santa Claus. In the night from December 24th to 25th, he comes flying with his reindeer sleigh, slides through the chimney, and loads the Christmassy decorated living room with presents. A nice story, but where do American Christmas legends actually come from? That is behind the stories of the different characters:

Christmas cards

In the United States, it is a wonderful tradition to send greeting cards to family and friends. Many Americans also take an annual Christmas photo of the whole family and print it on a personalized Christmas greeting card. Between Thanksgiving and New Year alone, the U.S. Postal Service delivers approximately 15 billion letters and cards, plus some 910 million parcels.

By the way, children can write to Santa Claus before the feast and tell him their Christmas wishes by sending a letter to the postal code H0H0H0. The letters are even answered by employees of the Canadian postal service.

Christmas dinner

The traditional Christmas dinner in the USA is served with dishes similar to those of the Thanksgiving feast. Turkey, baked ham, and all kinds of side dishes fill the stomachs of an American Christmas party, as do the cookies, cakes, and desserts afterwards. Americans also love eggnog, a drink prepared with rum, brandy, or whiskey.

Presents

In the United States, people gather on December 24th in church or for dinner in convivial company. However, they really get going with their Christmas party only on December 25th. On the morning of the traditional Christmas Day, everyone goes together to unwrap presents.

Another American tradition is for children to hang socks by the fireplace, which they will find stuffed with sweets and small gifts on Christmas Day. As a small token of appreciation for his efforts during Christmas night, milk and cookies are placed near the fireplace for Santa Claus in return.

You can’t get enough gifts? Here are a few interesting facts about them:

Christmas in America: fun facts & records

You just can’t get enough of Christmas? Here are a few interesting facts about the holiday season:

We wish you a merry and relaxing Christmas!

Christmas Traditions in America and How They All Started

Last Modified: May 31, 2022 // by Anda // 16 Comments

Christmas season is undoubtedly the most joyous and tradition-filled time of the year in America. Families all throughout the country gather around their trees, sing carols and hang their stockings, hoping to find them filled with gifts on Christmas Day.

Neighborhoods brighten up with glowing lights, people seem merrier and even the cold winter nights feel cozier. There’s something about the holiday spirit that gives people hope and joy.

Just like anywhere else in the Christian world, we celebrate Christmas on December 24-25 in the USA. But celebrations start much earlier than that and customs go far beyond exchanging gifts and decorating the Christmas tree.

Beloved Christmas Traditions in America

America is a land of big cultural diversity. So not surprisingly, it also has a mix of customs and traditions from almost every region of the world. But despite the fact that nearly every Christmas custom we have in the USA has come from another country, America has some its own holiday traditions as well.

Having lived on two continents, our family has adopted both the American and the Romanian Christmas traditions alike. So here are some family Christmas traditions that make our holiday special.

Counting Down the Days Till Christmas (Advent Calendar)

The custom of counting the days until Christmas on an Advent calendar has started in Germany, back in the 19th century.

Although the name of the original inventor is still contested, Gerhard Lang seems the most likely contender. When he was a child, Gerhard’s creating mother stuffed twenty-four cookies into a square of cardboard to symbolize the days leading up to Christmas.

As an adult, Gerhard remembered his mom’s idea and started manufacturing his very own advent calendars.

Advent calendars are particularly liked by kids, who love counting down the days till Santa Claus will bring them gifts. Not surprisingly, the custom was totally embraced by Americans since the early 1900s.

The count-down tradition is usually celebrated with an inexpensive chocolate Advent calendar that you can buy in almost any store at Christmas time. For those with bigger budgets, there are all sorts of other clever creations. Like wooden Advent calendars with small drawers, or wooden sleighs that light up.

Each day throughout December the children open up one drawer to discover what’s hiding inside. This is a great gift for any child, in celebration of the exciting days leading up to Christmas.

Setting Up the Christmas Tree

The practice of decorating fir trees with candles and ornaments was brought to America by the German settlers, in the 18th and 19th century. At first, the Puritanical religious groups promptly rejected the custom because of its pagan connotations.

However, in 1840 when an English publication depicted Queen Victoria celebrating Christmas around a decorated ever-green tree, the wealthy Americans started replicating the lifestyle of the British upper class.

In the beginning, the ritual of setting up a Christmas tree was limited to immigrant communities and to wealthy people. One group decorated for tradition, the other for status.

Towards the end of the 19th century, the Christmas tree popularity began to grow in the United States. Christmas ornaments were arriving from Germany and other European countries. But as the custom of decorating fir trees spread throughout the country, many Americans started creating their own Christmas ornaments.

Today, having a Christmas tree in your home became one of the most beloved American tradition.

Christmas stocking

Christmas stocking is one of the characteristic symbols of Christmas. In homes all across America, people embrace the tradition of hanging their sock-shaped bag above the fireplaces, bedposts or doorknobs, on Christmas Eve. When Santa arrives that’s where he leaves the gifts, which are usually candy or small items that fit inside.

The tradition of the Christmas stocking originated in Europe back in the 4th century, and was inspired by the life of the Bishop Saint Nicolas of Myra.

According to the legend, Saint Nicholas heard about the predicament of a poor widower and his three daughters. He snuck into the house and saw the girls’ recently washed stockings drying by the fire. Wanting to help the poor family, he filled the stockings with gold coins before disappearing into the night.

In America, the custom of stuffing Christmas stockings started from a 19th century poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” The poem mentioned that “the stockings were hung by the chimney with care / In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”

As the poem was read every Christmas in homes across the country, the tradition of hanging stockings spread with it.

Home Decorating

Americans love to Deck the Halls like no other nation. People on this continent are clearly passionate about the aesthetics of Christmas! Before moving to the USA, I have never seen so many whimsical decorations.

Come December, the city squares, streets, and buildings begin glowing with vibrant decorations. Lights hang from every storefront and lamppost, hotel lobbies display perfectly trimmed trees, and parks turn into temporary ice skating rinks.

Christmas decorations in the city

Private homes compete for the glory of Christmas decorating as well, building displays that leave you speechless. And when it comes to Christmas lights, the more the merrier.

Entire neighborhood become a Winter Wonderland, with block after block having its own holiday theme. Passers-by line up to to admire the dazzling light display and fanciful figurines representing Santa Claus, Snowmen, and Nativity scenes.

Apparently, the home decorating tradition started in Germany, in the 17th century. However, this custom wasn’t as wide spread in Europe when we lived there, so I think this is more an American tradition.

Leaving Cookies for Santa Claus

Leaving out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa is a well-established custom among American families with small children. Some families even extend the giving to Santa’s flying reindeer, leaving out carrots or apples.

The tradition began in the 1930s during the Great Depression, when parents were trying to instill a sense of thankfulness in their children. In that time of great economic hardship, it was important to give to others and to show gratitude for the gifts you receive on Christmas.

Watching Christmas Movies

When it’s cold outside and the fire flickers inside, we like to make ourselves comfortable with a hot cup of apple cider and watch movies. Heading out (or staying in) to watch movies together on Christmas is one of the most popular family traditions in the United States. A recent survey revealed that 72% of Americans agreed that watching holiday movies brings them comfort. Some start the tradition even before Thanksgiving.

Holiday movies are popular not simply because they are “escapes.” They also give us a glimpse into the world as it should be. Classics such as “A Christmas Carol” (1938), “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947), or “The Holiday” (2006) offer hope in believing it all might turn out alright in the end.

Attending a Christmas Parade

Nothing gets Americans into the holiday spirit as much as the Christmas parades. They mark the official opening of the Christmas Season. There are floats and boats dripping with shimmering lights, marching bands, and photo ops with Santa Claus.

The tradition of Christmas parades began back in 1887. The first parade took place on the Illinois River to celebrate the completion of the Upper Free Bridge. So Santa made his first appearance on a river barge, long before he got his own sleigh and reindeer float.

Whether it’s the Grinch that stole Christmas at the Mayor’s Annual Parade in Baltimore, the Holiday Boat Parade in Honolulu, or the Hollywood Christmas Parade, America gets into a parade frenzy at this time of year.

One of America’s most famous parades in the USA is the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California. The event, which is also known as the Rose Parade, takes place every year on January 1st, in celebration of the New Year.

Opening Up a Gift on Christmas Eve

One of the best things about Christmas is giving and receiving gifts. Traditionally, people in America open their gifts on Christmas morning. However, some American families have the tradition of opening one present is on Christmas Eve, and the rest on Christmas Day.

The tradition is rooted in the European culture, where people open their presents on Christmas Eve, after attending mass. In Europe, Christmas Eve is a day with its own traditions and for many is just as important as Christmas Day.

The ritual of opening one gift on Christmas Eve was most likely invented to help kids cope with the excitement and impatience building up towards Christmas Day. Tearing off the wrapping paper of a single present surely helps release some of the suspense!

Traditional Christmas Concerts

The custom of listening to Christmas music came to America together with the first settlers who wanted to keep their traditions alive.

Although in the beginning most of the songs they sang were from Europe, during the Great Depression era a new wave of American written songs appeared.

The popularity of Christmas music exploded in the 20th century, with the appearance of radio, television, and film. Today, we can’t even imagine Christmas without our traditional songs, be they old or new, religious or secular. All throughout December, amateur and professional choirs and orchestras give holiday concerts in venues all around the country.

Among of the most popular holiday traditions in America are the Tuba Christmas concerts. Bassoon and tuba players – young and old, amateurs and professionals – gather to perform an annual concert of holiday music. The free performances are usually held in malls or public squares all around in the country.

Another treasured musical event is the Messiah Sing-along concert takes place in many towns and cities across America. The most famous Messiah Sing-along is the one at the Wall Disney Hall. Attending this concert is one of the most fun things to do in Los Angeles in December. Over 2000 people gather here every year to sing Handel’s famous work.

Kissing Under the Mistletoe

The ritual of kissing beneath a bunch of mistletoe is an old Christmas tradition that has been known to Americans since the 19th-century. As part of the custom, men can steal a kiss from any woman standing under the mistletoe. Refusing the kiss will bring bad luck.

Kissing under the mistletoe

Back then, the only way to get mistletoe was by climbing up a tree, and cutting it off with an ax. Today however, you can walk right into any Trader Joe’s or garden supply shop and buy a nicely boxed swatch. Which is why you’ll see mistletoe hanging up in many houses at Christmas time. But the ritual of kissing under it is less practiced.

Watching the Nutcracker Ballet

Ever since 1944, when the San Francisco Ballet company performed Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker on Christmas Eve, the ballet became one of America’s most beloved holiday traditions. Over time, many other companies throughout the US started performing the ballet during the Christmas season.

Today, the Nutcracker is a ritual in many of US cities where snow doesn’t even fall, like Hawaii or Florida. The ballet is very popular because speaks to everyone. Particularly children, who love the story. Many of them get their first exposure both to ballet and to classical music through this work.

A Final Thought

For many people, Christmas is not Christmas without these customs and traditions. But why do we love our Holiday rituals so much? It’s most likely because they remind us of our loved ones, of our childhood, and of happy times.

Rituals and traditions mark some of the most important moments in our lives. They are the glue that holds the family together. And when we share them, they bring us close to one another.

We are wishing all our readers a blessed Christmas, complete with the excitement of giving and receiving presents. A Christmas inspired by its spiritual beauty. May the coming year bring this blessed land of ours a little closer to that day of eternal Christmas. The day when it will be peace on Earth!

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind «Travel Notes & Beyond,» a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Reader Interactions

Comments

One tradition that we enjoy, is reading from the New Testament the account of the birth of Jesus Christ. It helps keep the celebration in focus.

Absolutely. Religious families in America do that, of course.

Very lovely post on Christmas traditions around the world. Watching Christmas decorations in the neighborhood and watching Christmas movies is our favourite hobby. But I would love to watch the Nutcracker ballet by Tchaikovsky’s.Also loved to know about the sweet milk and cookies treat for Santa Claus.

Pretty interesting to read about the various traditions followed. Was quite familiar with a few like the stockings and cookies. However, it was nice reading about a few of the others like the Advent calendar. I wish I had known earlier, would have bought one for my daughter who counts down to Xmas (more cos its her bday). Cheers

You can buy one for next Christmas, Ami.

I love Christmas and it’s nice to learn more about the different traditions. We actually just started having advent calendars and it is actually fun. It just made the countdown so much fun.

This was an interesting read. Though, we do celebrate Christmas in India, I didn’t know about many of these rituals such as the advent calendar or leaving cookies for Santa. It’s also good to know about the Nutcracker ballet, would love to watch that.

I am not surprised to hear that your Christmas traditions in India are different from the ones in the USA. Each country around the globe has its own.

We did all these but the Nutcracker. How I missed leaving a cookie and a glass of milk for Santa though. And of course my husband had to wake up early to make sure the cookie and milk were eaten by ‘Santa’. One Christmas Eve my son decided to leave a sandwich. Haha…

That’s funny! Your husband had an early breakfast that morning, I imagine.

What an interesting look at the various Christmas traditions. I really never knew where many of them came from. We always love to head out and see the neighbourhoods all lit up with colour. I must say that I was told that my Santa wanted beer and not milk. And I loved the idea of getting one gift on Christmas Eve.

All of those are my traditions, growing up in Canada with a German heritage, we have a even blend of holiday traditions. I wondered how the tradition of mistletoe got started, and will now never refuse a kiss!

Hahaha, better play it safe and kiss even a frog, than having ‘gad luck!’

Ineteresting read about the Christmas tradtions in the US. We have most of them in Germany too. But this was the first time I read about the Christmas parades. I would love to see one, also the life-sized nutcrackers look a bit scary….

What a lovely article focusing on the traditions of Christmas! Our family’s traditions make the holiday so much more meaningful for us, and we love to hear how others celebrate.