Hi, Tigers! It’s Mya Reyes and Brianna Molina. With Christmas around the corner, we will be talking about the Top 5 Christmas Traditions, according to Google, to get in the holiday spirit! Let’s go ahead and explore these traditions that bring warmth and cheer to homes and families all over the U.S.

1. Decorating the Christmas tree

According to Google, decorating the Christmas tree is the top Christmas tradition. This tradition started long ago, with people bringing trees inside during winter to symbolize life and hope. Over time, decorations, lights, and a topper, like a star or an angel, were added to make the trees even more special. Today, decorating the tree is a beloved activity that helps create a warm and festive environment in homes during the holiday season. It’s a time to share stories, sing carols, and create long lasting memories. It’s a way to express creativity and celebrate the holiday spirit with loved ones.

    2. Exchanging gifts

Exchanging gifts for Christmas tops as the 2nd best Christmas tradition, according to Google. This tradition is celebrated all around the United States. People give and receive presents, showing love and appreciation. Gift exchanges often take place on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, after families place their presents under the tree. It’s seen as a way to spread joy, strengthening relationships among your family members, friends, and communities. The tradition became inspired by the gifts given to baby Jesus by the Wise Men on Christmas Day. The act of gift giving instantly became a symbol of generosity and togetherness during the holiday season. Gifts range from handmade items, showing creativity, to store-bought presents, showing that others are listening and potentially satisfying a friend’s or family member’s Wish List. However, the act of giving is still considered more meaningful than the gift itself.

3. Baking Christmas treats 

Baking Christmas-themed desserts makes its way on the list of top 5 Christmas traditions, according to Google. Not only does this tradition include a wide variety of sweet, delicious ingredients but also it means coming together and celebrating love and friendship. It brings closeness and warmth into the season. Baking can be minimal or more complex. The most popular baked options to make this holiday season include decorated sugar cookies, spiced gingerbread, and classic chocolate chip cookies. The process of baking cookies begins with preparing the dough with infused classic holiday flavors. Some infused flavors that people add are gingerbread, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Shaping and decorating your cookies with colorful icing and sprinkles is the next and final part of the process. Beyond the delicious appearance of these treats and the fact that baking is a culinary activity, the entire experience blends tradition, enjoyment, and meaningful connections between loved ones.

4. Singing Christmas carols 

Making the top 4, according to Google, is the tradition of singing Christmas carols, which started way back in the day as Pagan songs that were sung for the winter solstice. Over time, these songs mixed with Christmas rhythms celebrating the birth of Jesus, turning into the Christmas carols we know and love today. By the Middle Ages, caroling became a popular way to celebrate the holidays. Groups go door-to-door spreading cheer by singing for others. Some do so for food or money for themselves or to donate. Most, however, just sing for fun as this type of music gets people into the holiday spirit. Songs such as “Silent Night”, “Jingle Bells”, and “Joy to the World” bring people together. Whether you’re singing with friends, family, or even strangers, caroling isn’t just fun; it makes you feel good. Singing can lift your spirits, plus it’s a great way to connect with others and feel like you’re part of something special during the holidays.

5. Watching Christmas movies 

Last but not least, watching Christmas movies makes the top 5 of Christmas traditions, according to Google. It’s a beloved tradition as these movies create a cozy atmosphere, perfect for snuggling up with loved ones. Holiday films often tell stories about kindness, generosity, and the importance of family, reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas. Movies such as Elf, Home Alone, The Polar Express, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas are perfect classic movies that people most often watch from home around the Christmas season. The shared experience can help family and friends bond as these movies bring about laughter along with nostalgia. Such movies remind us that, despite the challenges of everyday life, there’s always room for hope, love, and a little bit of Christmas magic.

Conclusion:  Overall, these Christmas traditions enhance the holiday and promote spending time with family and friends. Making memories is all that matters during this time of the year. Whether these traditions are celebrated for religious reasons or simply to warm the winter season, they bring about joy, reflection, and cherished moments that will be kept with you forever. The impact of Christmas and the holiday spirit continues to grow every year. People all over the world wait for Christmas to come to express and share holiday cheer and make memories even more memorable.

References

Ames, M. (n.d.). Top 10 Holiday traditions in the US. Top 10 holiday traditions in the US ’ EF Academy Blog ’ EF Academy Blog. EF Academy Blog. (n.d.). https://www.ef.com/wwen/blog/efacademyblog/top-10-holiday-traditions-in-the-us

Contact us University of Plymouth Drake Circus Plymouth Devon PL4 8AA United Kingdom 0 +44 1752 600600 ( Maps & directions A Visit us ] Job vacancies. (n.d.). The history of singing Christmas carols. University of Plymouth. https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/discover/the-history-of-christmas-carols