We tend to do the same thing every year during the holidays—and that’s great.
But it’s also great to mix it up a bit and try something new, even if it’s just planning a movie night with your kids or hitting the ice skating rink with your honey.
Examples of American Traditions During the Holidays
Here are a half dozen traditions that many Americans look forward to each year during the holidays.
Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
Surrounded by the twinkling lights of Rockefeller Center, this is one of the most iconic Christmas scenes in the United States. But you don’t need to go to New York City to enjoy holiday skating. Communities across the country have followed suit with their own holiday ice rinks, usually offering hot chocolate and holiday tunes as well.
Riding the Polar Express
The hit movie “The Polar Express” has inspired railways across the country to offer special event train rides that take little ones on a magical journey to the North Pole, including caroling, hot chocolate, cookies, and—of course—Santa.
Lighting the Tree
One of the most sparkling events of the season is the National Christmas Tree Lighting at the White House. This year’s celebration will be held on Nov. 28. The ceremony was first done in 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge. Children across the country will have a part in the ceremony this year as 56 schools across the country are creating one-of-a-kind ornaments for the celebration.
Hit the Slopes
Many Americans use the holidays as a time to celebrate on the slopes in places like Vermont, New York, or Colorado. A little fresh air and exercise seems to keep spirits bright, and you can’t beat the quaintness of towns like Breckenridge, Colorado; Stowe, Vermont; and Park City, Utah at this time of year. Bonus: Check out the Santa Ski & Pub Crawl in Crested Butte, Colorado.
Watch a Movie Together
There are a few movies that many Americans watch year after year. Christmas day classics include “Home Alone,” “Elf,” “A Christmas Story,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Counting Birds—Literally
The annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count started in 1900 with just 27 birders taking place. These days, there are tens of thousands of volunteers across the country who brave the cold to help assess the health of bird populations.
Happy Holidays from StorageMart
Do you love to celebrate the holidays with all kinds of lights, wreaths, Santas, and other decorations, but then turn into a real Grinch when it’s time to store them all? Consider giving yourself the gift of storage this year. At StorageMart, you can rent a unit from the size of a closet to the size of a garage without any long-term commitment. Need more info? Check out our storage unit guide or rent a unit online today.