In December around the world, families come together to celebrate different holidays. Holiday traditions vary from family to family and culture to culture, however in the U.S. there are many standard traditions part of the holiday season. These traditions are heavily influenced by immigrants bringing their cultures to the United States.
Here are a few traditions that have passed down through immigrants:
- Eggnog: Early English Immigrants brought eggnog to the U.S. colonies in the late 1700s.
- Christmas Stockings: The tale of St. Nicholas dropping gifts in stockings came from Scandinavian settlers.
- Hanukkah Gelt: These sweet treats are linked to Yemen traditions that were brought over to the U.S.
- Christmas Trees: German immigrants are the ones that began the Christmas Tree tradition that we all know and love!
- Kwanzaa Groundnut Soup: This traditional soup comes from Ghana and serves as a staple during Kwanzaa celebrations.
As you look around this holiday season, you can see the influence of immigration everywhere from holiday feasts to decorations. Immigration continues to bring new meanings and traditions to the United States every day!
