christmas in united states of americasanta claus was born in us in the 1860's he was named this as he had a white beard and a belly, so he was named santa claus as this was the dutch word for st nicholas, sintaklaas. although the dutch had bought him with them in the 17th century, he did not become an important person at christmas until the novelist washington irving put him in a novel that he wrote in 1809. this first santa claus was still known as st. nicholas, he did smoke a pipe, and fly around in a wagon without any reindeer, but he did not have his red suit or live at the north pole, he did however bring presents to children every year.

　　in 1863 he was given the name santa claus and bore the red suit, pipe, and his reindeer and sleigh.

　　now christmas celebrations vary greatly between regions of the united states, because of the variety of nationalities which have settled in it.

　　in pennsylvania, the moravians build a landscape, called a putz - under the christmas tree, while in the same state the germans are given gifts by belsnickle, who taps them with his switch if they have misbehaved.

　　early european settlers brought many traditions to the united states. many settled in the early days in the south, these settlers would send christmas greetings to their distant neighbors by shooting firearms and letting off fireworks. in hawaii this practice is still in use as under the sunny skies, santa claus arrives by boat and christmas dinner is eaten outdoors.

　　in alaska, a star on a pole is taken from door to door, followed by herod's men, who try to capture the star. colonial doorways are often decorated with pineapple, a symbol of hospitality.

　　in alaska, boys and girls with lanterns on poles carry a large figure of a star from door to door. they sing carols and are invited in for supper.

　　in washington d.c., a huge, spectacular tree is lit ceremoniously when the president presses a button and turns on the tree's lights.

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