Анг. яз

1. Holidays Around The World

USA
The work was done by 8B student
Sergey Tatarinov

2. Traditions

A family dinner on the eve of the holiday (December 24 - on Christmas
Eve). All relatives gather at the table, exchanging gifts. For example,
there is a tradition of "Secret Santa" - everyone takes turns pulling out
one piece of paper from a hat, on which it is determined who gives a
gift to whom.
In churches, there are solemn services dedicated to the birth of Christ,
where hymns and Christmas sermons are played.
Christmas is a national holiday, so many government offices, shops, and
cafes are usually closed on this day, although the conditions vary from
state to state.

3. Decorating

The facades of houses are decorated with garlands that wrap around
railings, windows, cornices. Glowing figures of Santa Claus, reindeer,
and snowmen are being installed in courtyards. On the entrance doors
there is a Christmas wreath made of fir branches, decorated with
ribbons, cones, dried fruits and even miniature Christmas tree toys.
Christmas tree — usually it is installed in the living room, decorated
with the whole family. There is a star or angel on the top of the head,
symbolizing the guiding star of Bethlehem.

4. Meal

The main course is turkey, which is served with potatoes or vegetables.
In some cases, it is replaced by chicken, duck or beef.
A popular Christmas dish is a rum—soaked fruitcake. In addition to
cupcakes, Americans bake gingerbread men. The holiday is not
complete without warming drinks: tea or cocoa. Some Americans
prefer more original options, for example, the eggnog based on milk
and chicken eggs, which is common in the USA.

5. Entertainments

Christmas Carols — Groups of friends, neighbors, or church members
come together to sing their favorite songs. Sometimes carolers go from
house to house, and sometimes they arrange concerts in public places.
Christmas markets — small stalls with handmade gifts, the aroma of
hot apple cider, street musicians and Christmas choirs.
In the southern states, where snow is rare, shopping malls and city
administrations organize "snow nights" — evenings of artificial snow,
when it pours from special cannons.