Christmas Traditions in the US and Canada, Explained

Most Christmas traditions in the US and Canada blend old European customs, religious practice, and newer family habits. Knowing where they come from makes them more meaningful, and gives you ideas to start your own. Here are the most common ones, explained.

The Christmas tree

Evergreens stood for life during the darkest part of the year, long before Christmas. Families in German-speaking regions began bringing trees indoors and decorating them with candles, fruit, and sweets. The custom spread to North America in the 1800s and became a fixture. Today, many families pick a tree together or set up the same artificial one each year.

Try it: make tree-trimming a special evening with music and cocoa. Our guide to decorating a tree can help.

Stockings

Stockings come from the story of St. Nicholas, a generous bishop who is said to have secretly helped a poor family. In the tale, he left gold coins that landed in stockings drying by the fire. Today, kids hang stockings by the fireplace or on a wall, and parents fill them with small gifts, fruit, and candy.

Santa Claus

Santa grew out of St. Nicholas, Dutch “Sinterklaas” customs, and North American stories and poems from the 1800s. He is now a cheerful figure who brings gifts to kids on Christmas Eve. Many Canadian kids write to Santa at a special postal code, and the program is run by the national postal service. In the US, many towns have Santa visits at malls and community events.

Cookies and milk

Leaving cookies and milk for Santa is a modern North American custom. It teaches kids about gratitude and sharing. Many families add carrots for the reindeer.

Carols and caroling

Carols were once folk songs sung at gatherings throughout winter. Door-to-door caroling remains a tradition in neighborhoods, churches, and schools. You can make it easy by singing for a few neighbors, then returning home for hot chocolate.

Advent and Nativity scenes

For Christian families, Advent marks the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Many light a candle each Sunday, use an advent wreath, or open a calendar. Nativity scenes recall the birth of Jesus and are often set up in homes and churches. Learn more in our advent calendar ideas.

Christmas lights

Lights became a way to brighten winter and share cheer with neighbors. Neighborhood light tours are a favorite family outing in both countries. Some towns hold parades of lights or lit-up festivals.

Christmas Eve and Christmas morning

Some families open one gift on Christmas Eve, attend a service, or share a special meal. Others keep everything for Christmas morning. Many families have an annual routine: new pajamas, a movie, or a Christmas Eve box (see our Christmas Eve box ideas).

The Christmas meal

Meals vary by region and culture. Turkey and ham are common, along with sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Canadian families may serve tourtiere (a spiced meat pie), especially in Quebec. Many families keep recipes passed down for generations. Browse our recipes for ideas.

Boxing Day

In Canada, December 26 is Boxing Day, a public holiday. It is known for time with family and for shopping sales. Some families use it to relax, eat leftovers, and play games.

Other celebrations around the season

North America is home to many cultures, so Christmas sits alongside Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, and Three Kings Day. If you host a mixed group, ask guests about their customs and invite them to share them.

Start your own tradition

1. Choose something simple you can repeat each year.
2. Tie it to a day or moment: first snowfall, tree day, or Christmas Eve.
3. Include everyone, from kids to grandparents.
4. Take a photo or write a note each year.
5. Keep it flexible. A tradition you cannot keep up will fade.

Ideas to start with: a family movie night, a game like Christmas Pictionary, a gingerbread house contest, or a handwritten letter to your future selves.

Quick Checklist

• Pick two or three favorite family traditions
• Learn the story behind one of them to share with kids
• Add one new tradition this year
• Include relatives from other cultures
• Take photos and write down the dates
• Keep it simple enough to repeat