Holiday Traditions

By Jane Martin Lassiter High School; Cobb County Schools Winter Holidays US & Canada Major Customs & traditions SSWG8 The student will describe the interaction of physical and human systems that have shaped contemporary Canada and the United States e. Describe the ethnic and religious groups in Canada and the United States; include major customs and traditions.

Holiday traditions vary among different countries

In December there are two major holidays

Christmas is celebrated on December 25 th in the United States

People like to decorate their homes and visit with family between Christmas and New Years Day on January 1st

In Canada, parks are decorated and lit on the first Thursday every December. Celebrations last until January 6th

In the United States, families exchange gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day

In Canada, families exchange gifts on Boxing Day. This is usually on December 26th

In some Canadian homes, children do not open their gifts until New Years Day

Where ever you live, people celebrate with special meals, parties, gifts and good wishes for the next year