What America looks like on the eve of Christmas. A PHOTO

One of America’s most beloved holidays, Thanksgiving, has just passed in the US. However, despite the fact that there is still a whole month left before Christmas, the festive mood is already felt in almost every city in the United States, and solemn events and festivals dedicated to the upcoming holiday take place almost every day.

Washington, DC, December 2017 of the year. Photo author

One of the main celebrations, reminding Americans of the approaching Christmas, is, of course, the lighting of the lights on the main tree of the city. At the same time, as a “Christmas tree”, or more correctly, a “Christmas tree” (Christmas tree) can be anything, from a real huge spruce tree to a spreading maple tree. However, maples remain rather the lot of small towns, whereas in large US cities a holiday tree is almost always a Christmas tree. The ritual of its ignition is a special city holiday, which Americans are trying to stretch as long as possible. For example, this year in San Francisco, the first lighting of the Christmas tree took place immediately after Thanksgiving Day, 23 in November at Union Square. Now this ceremony will be repeat every day without exception until January 1.

In small American towns, where you can still see the touching combination of beauty, comfort and the patriarchal way of life, lighting the festive garlands is not just a show, but a special event in which the whole city seeks to participate. For example, in the city of Redmond, Washington, the ceremony is often accompanied by a festive procession of citizens in the central part of the city, throughout which parishioners of local churches greet the bell-bells and Christmas carols. In 2014, the culmination of the holiday was the scene symbolizing Christmas itself. In a tent on the sidewalk, the townspeople built a Christmas nativity scene. Mary and Joseph were depicted in him by an ordinary American family, and her mother had her own child sleeping in her mother’s arms, not even suspecting that he had the role of the Infant Christ in the sketch. The actors demonstrated how first the shepherds come to bow to the baby, and then the Magi with rich gifts.

Residents of Redmond are greeted with songs. Photo author

Homemade den in the center of Redmond. Photo author

This baby still does not know that he played his first role in life. Photo author

In large cities, it is more difficult for residents to take part in the holiday, but this opportunity is given to them here too. For example, a year ago, in San Francisco, at Christmas itself, they staged a “jellyfish procession”. Anyone could sign up in advance, and they were given long sticks with “jellyfish” made of sheets. A walk of snow-white jellyfish dancing in the wind in the center of the city ended with the lighting of lights on the Christmas tree.

"Jellyfish Dance" in San Francisco. Photo by the author

City residents brought their “pets” to the square. Photo by the author

In small towns, the ceremony of lighting Christmas tree lights can coincide with a parade in which all social services, community and children's organizations, and simply famous people in the city are eager to take part. For example, just such a parade in conjunction with the lighting of lights takes place December 1 in Pleasanton, California. But in another Californian city, Fremont, these events did not coincide in time: the parade was held on Friday, November 23, and the ceremony of lighting the lights on the Christmas tree will take place Monday.

Residents are preparing to participate in the parade in Fremont. Photo author

In the procession, despite the rain, the children took part ...

... and characters from iconic cartoons. Photo author

Another festive event, which may be accompanied by the Christmas tree ignition ritual or a parade, may be the so-called “Festival of Lights” (Festival Of Lights). Sometimes it means only the abundant use of garlands during a parade, but sometimes it is a separate event during which all the trees and plants in local parks are decorated with garlands to such an extent that a luminous garden appears. However, such festivals can be held without regard to Christmas. In Auckland, California, for example, the “festival of light” was held in a Japanese garden in the city center at the end of October.

The Cherry Tree at the Auckland Japanese Garden. Photo by the author

Auckland, October 2018 of the year. Photo author

Auckland's magic butterflies. Photo author

Forerunner of Christmas. Auckland, October 2018 of the year. Photo author

Transfigured Japanese Garden. Photo author

But the Botanical Garden of Bellevue in Washington State is blooming on Christmas.

Bellevue, December 2014 of the year. Photo author

Bellevue, December 2014 of the year. Photo author

In order to learn about holidays, cultural events and entertainment, just go to the tab "The calendar»On the ForumDaily website and select the city closest to you (San Francisco, New York, Miami or Los Angeles), as well as the date you are interested in. On the main events in the world of music, humor, culture and entertainment, expected this winter, you can also read here.

Read also on ForumDaily:

How to get to the fabulously cozy Christmas village in New York

How shops make us spend money during the holidays: 10 tricks

When will America be your home

11 towns in New York, which each winter turn into a Christmas tale

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.