Christmas in North America

Christmas traditions in North America are numerous and varied. Each nation in Canada and the USA which celebrates Christmas has many traditions of its own. Some traditions like Santa Claus have been "imported" from Europe and transformed according to business laws. In 1863 Santa Claus got its red clothes, white beard and a sleigh with reindeer. This fact gradually resulted in commercialism of Christmas not only in North America, but also all over the World.

According to popular beliefs both Canadians and Americans claim that Santa is living on their territory. Americans say that Santa has two homes. One is Wilmington, New York where Santa and his reindeer have their own village. But, Santa gives presents to people in Torrington, Connecticut.

Between the 26th December and the 6th January people in Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia observe tradition of "Mummering." Group of people or "belsnicklers" wearing special costumes walk from house to house. There they knock on someone's door and speak in disguised voice. They say "Are there any Mummers in the night?" or "Any mummers 'loud in?'", which means "are mummers allowed in the house?" After that they sing and dance. They are offered some biscuits and drinks. There are several variations of this tradition. For example, if the host does not recognize those speaking in disguised voice, she or he has to join them and continue to "mummer" with them. Belsnicklers sometimes ask kids if they are good. If say yes, they get some candies.

Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower

On the 6th January 1917 terrible tragedy happened in "The Narrows" section of the Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. A French cargo ship SS Mont-Blanc collided with the Norwegian ship SS Imo. Due to the fact that French ship was loaded with military explosives the collision resulted in death of some 2,000 people and injuries of more than 9,000 people. City of Boston helped people of Halifax a lot then. As sort of thank you present they each year sent the biggest Christmas fir tree available in Nova Scotia to the people of Boston.

"Taffy Pull" is a tradition honouring Saint Catherine, which is the patron saint of single women. People of Northern Canada organize parties where single women and men can meet. In some parts of Canada the Inuit people celebrate "Sinck Tuck". At Sinck Tuck festival people dance and exchange presents.

In Labrador city, Newfoundland there is a Christmas Light-up Contest. People decorate their houses with lights. They also make snow and ice sculptures in their front gardens. In Labrador people give turnips to children. Inside a turnip people dig small hole and put a candle inside.

Lovely part of Canadian Christmas season are so called cookie-baking parties. Family members bake certain Christmas biscuits and together with the recipe for it they bring it to a party. There they exchange them with other people. During Christmas Canadians often buy sweets called Barley Candy and Chicken Bones. Barely Candy is sold on a small stick. It is shaped like Santa, Christmas tree or something like that. Chicken Bones are pink candies which tastes like cinnamon. When this part of candy is melted in your mouth you get to part made of milk chocolate.

Tourtière

In Quebec people decorate their homes with Crèches or nativity scenes. After attending a Midnight Mass people have a Christmas dinner or "reveillon." Out of many Christmas delicacies let's mention two - meat pie "Tourtière" and meatballs "Boulettes." Tourtière is filled with minced pork. Other combinations of meat are also possible.