December 23, 2024

How Christmas is Celebrated in the United States

Discover Christmas in the USA and how our international student-athletes celebrate it at their universities

Christmas in the U.S. is a dazzling celebration of lights, traditions, and festivities. This article explores how international student-athletes staying at their universities during the holidays enjoy this unique season.

Christmas is a very special time in the United States, filled with traditions, lights, and celebrations. If you’ve seen American holiday movies, you know exactly what we’re talking about.

Learn about how Christmas is celebrated in the United States, diving into its unique traditions and typical foods. We share insights from international student-athletes who spend the holidays at their universities, offering a fresh perspective on this festive season.

When is Christmas Celebrated in the United States?

In the U.S., the holiday season begins in late November, right after Thanksgiving, and lasts through New Year’s. Cities and university campuses light up with decorations, ornaments, and Christmas trees, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

For university athletes, this time of year often brings mixed emotions. Some return to their home countries to celebrate Christmas with their families, while others stay in the U.S. due to training schedules, long distances, or high travel costs.

For those remaining on campus, universities and teammates play a key role in their holiday experience. Many schools host dinners and events for international students, providing a welcoming and festive environment.

Christmas Traditions in the United States

Local Events and Festivals: Many cities host spectacular light parades, like the Festival of Lights in California or the Lights Festival in Chicago. In New York, the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting marks the start of the holiday season.

Christmas Markets: Inspired by traditional European markets, many U.S. cities set up holiday markets offering crafts, seasonal treats, and outdoor entertainment.

Decorating the Christmas Tree: A central tradition in homes and even on university campuses. Natural trees are popular in the U.S., often chosen at “Christmas Tree Farms,” where families enjoy picking the perfect tree.

Gift Exchanges and Secret Santa: It’s common for friends and teammates to organize gift exchanges or Secret Santa events.

Gingerbread Houses: Building and decorating gingerbread houses is a fun activity you can enjoy with friends and family.

Stockings: Each family member hangs a shock by the fireplace for Santa to fill with treats and small gifts.

Christmas Day: On December 25th, families gather for a festive meal and to open gifts from Santa.

Traditional Christmas Foods in the United States

Christmas in the U.S. features a variety of dishes, with menus varying by region and family tradition. For international student-athletes spending the holidays with friends or teammates, it’s a great opportunity to try dishes like:

Turkey and Ham: Similar to Thanksgiving, roasted turkey, ham, or steak are often served.

Mashed Potatoes and Mac & Cheese: Popular side dishes that make frequent appearances at holiday tables.

Christmas Cookies and Cakes: Cookies shaped like candy canes, trees, or stars, decorated with colorful icing, are a holiday staple. Pumpkin pie and apple pie are also crowd favorites.

Eggnog: This creamy drink made with milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, often spiced with nutmeg or cinnamon, is a holiday classic.

International Student-Athletes’ Christmas Experiences

The Experience of Inés Latapia, Basketball Player in Minnesota
Inés, a student on a sports scholarship, stayed in the U.S. during her second year to spend Christmas with her host family in Minnesota. Her host family had a big holiday tradition, celebrating twice—on Christmas Eve with a large dinner for 30 guests in a beautifully decorated home, and on Christmas Day at her host grandparents’ house, complete with stockings and a winter getaway to their frozen lake.

Though Christmas in the U.S. shares some similarities with celebrations in Spain, Inés noticed everything was bigger, especially the decorations and the number of gifts. Her basketball team organized a Christmas dinner and a Secret Santa, though the university itself didn’t host events due to the holiday break.

Her advice for athletes spending Christmas away from home? Focus on the little joys, stay connected with loved ones, and embrace the support of friends to make the season memorable.

Alba Fernández, Basketball Player at Bethany Lutheran College
Alba celebrated Christmas in the U.S. with her basketball team instead of her family. She enjoyed dinners and activities with her teammates, who became her surrogate family during the holidays.

She was struck by the absence of nativity scenes, which were replaced by Christmas trees as the centerpiece of decorations. Her university helped create a festive atmosphere with events like “Christmas at Bethany,” where the choir and band celebrated the season.

Her advice to other student-athletes? Embrace local traditions, like watching Christmas movies or visiting city light displays, to create new memories and feel the holiday spirit, even far from home.

Tips for Making the Most of Christmas in the U.S.

For student-athletes spending the holidays away from home, here are some tips to make the season special:

Join university events: Many universities organize end-of-year activities for international students to feel included. Participating is a great way to meet new people and enjoy the festivities!

Stay connected with loved ones: Video calls and messages can help bridge the distance. Plan a special call on Christmas or New Year’s to share the moment.

Explore your city: Take time to visit iconic spots decorated for the season. Holiday lights and events in parks, malls, and plazas are often breathtaking.

Host a dinner with friends: Share a holiday meal with other international students or teammates. Try cooking traditional dishes from your country and explore American recipes together.

Recharge and rest: While training is important, use the break to relax and prepare for the upcoming semester and competitions.

At Keystone Sports, we’re dedicated to supporting athletes every step of their academic and athletic journey in the United States. This holiday season, we want to wish all our athletes and their families a Merry Christmas, filled with joy, success, and new achievements. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey!

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About the author

Lorena Montañés

Current student-athlete in the United States completing an MBA in Business Analytics. Born in Pamplona, Spain, she decided to continue her soccer career in the US. She played DI soccer at California State University, Fresno, while earning a double degree in Mass Communication and Journalism, and Psychology. She aims to empower other student-athletes to achieve their dreams and have a life-changing experience.