Christmas

When thinking about the American way of life an image that usually comes to mind is that of a family sitting by the fire place near the fir tree in a snowy Christmas evening. The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is the most important holiday in the Christian calendar, The Christmas story comes from the Bible. An angel appeared to shepherds and told them that a Savior had been born to Mary and Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem. Three Wise Men from the East followed a wondrous star which led them to the baby Jesus to whom they paid homage and presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, all over the world Christians, and even non Christians, celebrate the Christmas. But no one celebrate this day like the Americans.

When people immigrate to another country, they bring more than their clothing, a toothbrush and other such worldly belongings. Despite the excitement or opportunity that moving to a new land may offer, immigrants are frequently sad to be leaving their homelands. They are often eager to bring, at the very least, some small sliver of their cultures and traditions with them.

History books refer to the United States as "the melting pot" where all nations and traditions blend together. Indeed, the Christmas celebrations would indicate just that. carols from England and Australia and trees from Germany. Santa Claus, or St. Nick. in a red suit originated in Scandinavia and his arrival through the chimney to fill stockings is reminiscent of the Netherlands. His sleigh drawn by reindeer began in Switzerland. Immigrant settlers brought Father Christmas to the United States. Father Christmas' name was gradually changed to Santa Claus, from the Dutch name for Father Christmas, which is Sinter Claas. Although he has origins in Norse and pre-Christian mythology, Santa Claus took shape in the United States. Americans gave Santa Claus a white beard, dressed him in a red suit and made him a cheery old gentleman with red cheeks and a twinkle in his eye. Of course the traditional feasting is typical of all nations. We, in turn, have fattened up the jolly old man in the red suit and blended all the traditions until he comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve, leaves gifts and stockings filled with treats and departs in a sleigh drawn by eight tiny reindeer.

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This chapter was taken out of the Immigration Bible by Zila Katz and Esq.Dotan Cohen, Adv. Get your copy today

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Tom Wright
Editor in Chief
GCUS PRESS