American Christmas Traditions: The Ways We Got to Where We Are

The American Christmas celebrations seem like a mishmash of traditions—and they are.

Three postmen are loaded up with Christmas packages, in this photo taken between 1910 and 1915. Library of Congress. Public Domain

Sometimes familiarity can blind us.

For many people, the Christmas season is the warm, fuzzy time in the darkest days of winter. Holiday decorations, mistletoe above a doorway, cards, presents under a glittering Fraser fir, the carols and songs playing 24/7 on the radio, Santa in the mall, office parties, the Salvation Army bell ringers, the good old classic movies on television, eggnog and candy canes, a family feast, midnight Mass or church services: all blend into the rich confection some call the Christmas spirit.