| Christmas In the
UNITED STATES  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 neighbors 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 representing 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.
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