​A tradition is a way of doing things in a family or a culture that is passed down through generations. Tradition is an important part of identity. There are different traditions for observing Christmas around the world. Many of those traditions are followed in the United States. Most Christmas traditions that are followed in the United States began in Europe many hundreds of years ago.

​Immigrants, or people who have moved to a new country, brought these traditions to North America when they left Europe. Several of these European Christmas traditions are adaptations of other winter traditions, some of which are older than Christmas.

​Of course, traditions vary among people. When people from different cultures join together, they may adopt or adapt each other’s traditions. Traditions can also be modified according to a different generation’s ideas, or to suit the weather, or for a dozen other reasons. Despite these variations, most people who observe Christmas in the United States follow some of the same traditions.

​We decorate the insides and outsides of our houses with lights. We use evergreen trees for various decorations, including wreaths and Christmas trees. We decorate the Christmas tree with special ornaments. We assemble nativity scenes and put on plays to retell the story of Christmas

​Outside, we sing special Christmas songs in front of homes and churches. Inside, we watch movies and read books that celebrate the Christmas spirit. We spend time finding or making the perfect gift for our loved ones. We hang stockings by the fireplace and put presents under the Christmas tree.