As the holiday season approaches here in the United States, families and friends are making plans centered around American Christmas traditions that make the season both nostalgic and memorable. Time-honored activities such as Christmas dinner, gift-giving, and touring Christmas lights take center stage as celebrants incorporate fun and the familiar into their seasonal gatherings. Over time, Christmas traditions have changed and evolved to suit modern patterns of living, but always with the goal of bringing family and friends together. Here are five American Christmas traditions that aren’t as common as they used to be, but their nostalgic appeal makes them worth bringing back.
Hanging Mistletoe
Mistletoe, a parasitic plant that grows on trees most commonly in the northern hemisphere, was once believed to have magical properties to ward off evil and bring good fortune. Since it remained green all winter, mistletoe became a symbol of life and vitality. Hanging mistletoe at Christmas reminds us that warmth and new life are just around the corner. The old tradition of two people meeting under the mistletoe and sharing a kiss stems from Norse mythology, which tells the story of the god of light, who was killed by an arrow of mistletoe and revived by his grieving mother. She then declared the plant a symbol of love and vowed to kiss anyone she met beneath it.
The practice of hanging mistletoe in a doorway at Christmas became tradition in both Europe and America in the 18th and 19th centuries. In addition to the custom of couples kissing beneath the mistletoe, its placement in homes also symbolizes peace and unity. However, in recent years, mistletoe has experienced a decline in popularity. It’s just not as readily available as mass-produced decorations, making it less convenient to incorporate into modern holiday setups. Additionally, changing social norms around personal boundaries have shifted attitudes toward the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe, with some people opting out of the custom altogether.
Despite this, mistletoe continues to appear in Christmas-themed media, from movies to advertisements, helping it retain cultural significance. For those who embrace the tradition, mistletoe often symbolizes love, connection, and the joy of the season. Perhaps this practice could be revived with a new perspective, with people meeting under the mistletoe to share a happy memory or introduce themselves for the first time, bringing new meaning to the plant’s history and symbolism.
Wassailing and Door-to-Door Caroling
One of the most well-known American Christmas traditions, that of going door-to-door singing carols, has its roots in a much older tradition called wassailing, a European seasonal practice in which peasants would sing to their feudal lords in exchange for gifts and treats. Slightly reminiscent of trick-or-treating at Halloween, the wassailers were often rowdy groups who did not take “no” for an answer. The song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” gives an excellent description of wassailing in its lyrics, such as “give us some figgy pudding,” and “we won’t go until we get some, so bring some out here.”
Early American settlers brought the tradition of wassailing with them to the New World. It was particularly popular in the south, where neighbors would gather and sing both religious hymns and secular songs, often accompanied by feasting and merrymaking. Wassailing eventually became known as caroling, with neighbors entertaining each other at their front doors with songs and good cheer.
Today, hectic scheduling, long work hours, expectations of privacy when at home, and other factors have contributed to a steep decline in the practice of door-to-door caroling. Holiday activities have become more organized and less spontaneous, with most opportunities for caroling taking place at churches and community events. Although some tight-knit, small communities still value the tradition of caroling, it is not popular in most areas today. Given cultural shifts and safety considerations, perhaps caroling is best practiced as a scheduled activity in most places, but it could still be a wonderful way to connect with members of the community during times of holiday celebrations.
Receiving an Orange in Your Stocking
The tradition of placing oranges in children’s Christmas stockings was once very popular in the United States, particularly in the early 20th century. A custom derived from European stories of St. Nicholas, oranges in stockings represented generosity, good fortune, and the simple joys of the season. According to legend, St. Nicholas, the 4th century bishop who was the inspiration for Santa Claus, helped a poor family by tossing gold coins down their chimney, where they landed in stockings placed by the fire to dry. Oranges became the representation of these coins, symbolic of charity and kindness.
During the Great Depression, oranges were an affordable, yet desirable treat for children at Christmas. Oranges provided essential vitamins and gave children something sweet to enjoy, making the practice of placing them in Christmas stockings extremely popular during that era. The sweetness of the citrus fruit gave kids a little taste of luxury during hard times.
Today, oranges have been replaced in most Christmas stockings by commercially produced candies and toys. However, bringing back this once-popular tradition could help teach children the values of generosity and kindness, especially when accompanied by the story of St. Nicholas and the gold coins. The simple gift of an orange in a Christmas stocking is a nostalgic and symbolic addition to an already-rich tapestry of holiday customs.
Christmas Cards in the Mail
Although still practiced by some people, the tradition of writing and mailing Christmas cards is not as popular as it once was. The concept of the Christmas card was created in 1843 by Victorian Englishman Sir Henry Cole, who had such a large circle of acquaintances that answering all their holiday letters became extremely time consuming. He landed on the brilliant idea of preprinting a standard holiday greeting along with an illustration, which he then customized with names written out by hand. Soon, printers in the United States began producing commercial Christmas cards, refined in design by the Hall Brothers, who later named their company Hallmark.
Throughout the 20th century, annual Christmas cards allowed families and friends to share news and milestones with loved ones across the country. Some took on lengthy newsletter formats, and many featured family photos. Today, amidst rising postal costs and the ease and immediacy of social media, many people no longer mail Christmas cards. Some also cite environmental factors in their decision to stop buying and sending cards. Though it is sad to see this tradition slowly die out, it is important to note that connecting with loved ones during the holidays, whether on social media, a video call, or in a group chat, is still a valued custom at Christmas.
Popcorn and Cranberry Christmas Tree Garland
The tradition of stringing popcorn and cranberries into garlands for Christmas trees has its origins in 19th-century America, blending European customs with uniquely American creativity. It reflects the resourcefulness of pioneer settlers and the desire to create festive, homemade decorations. The idea of decorating Christmas trees with edible ornaments originated in Europe, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia. There, families adorned their trees with cookies, fruit, nuts, and other treats to celebrate the holiday. When German immigrants brought the Christmas tree tradition to America in the 1800s, it inspired Americans to adapt it using locally available materials.
Popcorn became a popular choice for homemade garlands in 19th-century America due to its accessibility and versatility. Cranberries, known for their vibrant red color and durability, were a natural pairing. Their festive hue contrasted beautifully with the white popcorn, creating a visually appealing and affordable garland. Stringing these items became a holiday family activity, as children and adults gathered to create decorations together. The garlands were often used both indoors and outdoors; on occasion, they were draped on trees in yards to feed birds and wildlife.
These days, affordable and trendy commercially produced Christmas decorations are more the norm in American households. Holiday decorators enjoy transforming their living spaces with an aesthetic that expresses their personalities, and often change the theme from year to year. However, popcorn and cranberry garlands remain a nostalgic and eco-friendly way to celebrate the holiday, connecting modern festivities with the simplicity of early pioneer customs, making this one of the most uniquely American Christmas traditions.
Is It Time to Bring These American Christmas Traditions Back?
If you find yourself wondering how to make the season more memorable and meaningful, consider reviving one of these almost-extinct American Christmas traditions. Each one is the perfect blend of nostalgia and holiday cheer, from singing with your neighbors to the simple gift of an orange. Take a pause from the hustle and bustle of shopping and meet a new friend under the mistletoe or string together some popcorn with the kids. And have a Merry Christmas!