Christmas in the United States of America  

• Christmas celebrations vary greatly between regions of the United States, because of the variety of nationalities which have settled in the USA.
• 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.
• In the South, firearms are shot to greet distant neighbours on Christmas Day.
• In Alaska, a star on a pole is taken from door to door, followed by Herod's Men, who try to capture the star. Colonial doorways are often decorated with pineapple, a symbol of hospitality.
• In Washington D.C., a huge, spectacular tree is lit ceremoniously when the President presses a button and turns on the tree's lights.
• In Boston, carol singing festivities are famous. The singers are accompanied by hand bells.
• In New Orleans, a huge ox is paraded around the streets decorated with holly and with ribbons tied to its horns.
• In Arizona, the Mexican ritual called Las Posadas is kept up. This is a ritual procession and play reprsenting the search of Mary and Joseph for a room at the inn. Families play the parts and visit each other's houses enacting and re-enacting the drama and, at the same time, having a look at each family's crib.
• In Hawaii, Christmas starts with the coming of the Christmas Tree Ship, a ship bringing a great load of Christmas fare. Santa Claus also arrives by boat.
• In California, Santa Claus sweeps in on a surf board.