Hi everyone! I’m Nami, living in Los Angeles.
Today, I want to share my experience of Christmas in America and see if it really matches the festive scenes we see in movies and TV shows!
What Christmas Means in the U.S.
In the U.S., Christmas is a very important family holiday — kind of like New Year’s in Japan. Families often travel from far away to reunite, share meals, and spend quality time together.
Christmas Day (December 25th) is a public holiday here. Most companies and schools are closed, and many start their holiday break on Christmas Eve (December 24th). Some workplaces even have a half-day on the 24th, closing in the afternoon.
The whole period around Christmas is called the holiday season, and many people take extended time off through the end of the year. It’s common to go on family trips or visit relatives living far away.
Christmas Trees and Gifts
You’ve probably seen on TV how gifts are placed under the Christmas tree — and it’s true! 🎄
The tradition comes from Santa Claus visiting homes during the night and leaving presents under the tree. Kids excitedly prepare stockings or spaces for their gifts before going to bed on Christmas Eve.
Many American homes have fireplaces, and it’s common to hang large Christmas stockings there as well.
On Christmas morning, families gather around the tree and open presents together. I experienced this for the first time last year and was moved to see a pile of gifts just like in the movies!
Gifts aren’t just for kids — adults exchange presents with parents, siblings, or friends, often discussing what they’d like ahead of time.
Christmas Tree Hunting
Besides buying a tree to reuse year after year, many families participate in Christmas tree hunting — going to a farm or forest to pick and cut their own tree. 🎄
I’ve done this two years in a row now. Near my home, there are places where you can pick your tree, and it’s a fun outing for kids and adults alike. After choosing, you cut the tree down yourself and tie it to your car.
Prices vary but usually range from $50 to $70. While it’s a bit of an expense, it’s a wonderful family tradition.
Christmas Dinner
On Christmas evening, families sit down for a special dinner, often featuring turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, and pumpkin pie. Some families have their own unique recipes!
While cake is sometimes served, it’s not as essential as it is in Japan.
Sending Christmas cards — often with photos — to friends and family is still popular. People display the cards in their homes, usually in the entryway or living room.
Interestingly, most shops and restaurants are closed on Christmas Day, and many also close early on Christmas Eve. However, the day after Christmas, known as Boxing Day, is a big shopping day, with many holiday sales that shoppers eagerly anticipate.
Differences Between Christmas in Japan and the U.S.
Looking at all this, Christmas in Japan is very different!
In Japan, Christmas tends to be a time spent with friends or romantic partners rather than family. There’s no tradition of exchanging presents within families.
Christmas is a major shopping and dining day in Japan — restaurants and malls stay open late, and even New Year’s Day sees many businesses open.
One surprising difference: In Japan, it’s popular to eat Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas! 😂 Commercials promote it heavily, and many families order KFC instead of or along with cake. This tradition is completely unknown in the U.S., and Americans are often amazed when I mention it.
How do you usually spend Christmas? Do you decorate a tree or eat cake in Japan? I’d love to hear about it!
Next time, I’ll share more about life and culture in America.