As Christmas day quickly approaches, it is important to reflect on the past ways that Christmas has been celebrated in America. Today many families don’t have a traditional Christmas feast, don’t attend church in person, and dress casually. Back then, it was very rare if families stayed home and did not attend church. There are a number of things that are common in the 21st century compared to Christmas in the past.
For example, Christmas gifts are getting pricer than ever with the newest gadgets and technology people want. In a recent article, How Much The Average Person Spends Per Child, a Creditcards.com poll found that Americans spend an average of $276 per child on Christmas gifts every year. This average in todays culture and world can be seen as pretty normal for each kid, yet in the early 1900’s it was looked upon as uncommon.
But long hours for retail staff are not new. In 1903, the Consumer League of New York launched a nationwide marketing campaign to cut down the long hours retail staff worked over the holiday season, according to The Atlantic.
A typical Christmas in America now-a-days, is a lot more casual. People do not dress up early in the mornings like they used to for church. Now, it is common to livestream the service from home. Covid-19 shifted the ways that church could be attended, whether it’s the comfort of your home in pj’s or heading to service in-person. It is even evident that it is okay to wear jeans to church now. Years and years ago it was forbidden and rude to not dress up.
In the 21st century it is pretty normal to look identical with you family around the tree on Christmas morning. From matching pajama pants and shirts, to even matching fuzzy socks, it is a trend in today’s popular culture. Families even include their furry pets on the matching festive outfits.
When it comes to the feast of the special night, families can expect to have different types of themed dinners. Laurie Wilson wrote for Eat This that back in the now called “vintage era,” you could have expected to eat plum pudding, croquettes, chestnut stuffing, and even fruit cake.
Adriana Stein wrote for the blog Lingoda that now a days, prime rib is pretty popular to host at a Christmas feast. Additionally, sweet potato casserole with marshmallows is pretty popular in America. Even in the 21st century, people are taking out the turkey and instead swapping the main dish for lasagna. This comes to show that not every family hosts Christmas dinners the way people used to back then, and now they have a bigger variety of types.
It is unfortunate, but true, that some employees have to work on this day. Not many, but quite a few people do not get off for Christmas day. From truck drivers to department store clerks, workers can be expected to work on a holiday.
From the 1900s to 21st century, it has been proven that Christmas in America is drastically different than past years.
