I am pleased to intoduce you to Rachel Newcomb of at Smart Mom Smart Ideas . Today, she'll be sharing with us 4 fun facts about Christmas in the South, USA.
Christmas has many traditions. You may have Christmas traditions passed down from your family. You may have traditions from your country. Traditions make Christmas special and memorable. Some of my favorite Christmas memories are from our family traditions in Florida. I would like to share some of our Southern Christmas traditions.
Southern Christmas Traditions
Did you know that Christmas traditions started with the very first Christmas? The angels sang a joyful song to the shepherds telling them of the birth of Jesus. Today, we sing Christmas carols celebrating the birth of Jesus so long ago.
Later, the wise men brought baby Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Today, we share gifts when we celebrate Christmas.
What Christmas traditions do we have in the South (or maybe they started in the south) you ask?
Snowman or Sandman?
In the South (especially in Florida), it's too warm for snow at Christmas. Many times it still feels like summer. We might not be able to play in the white snow, but, we can go to the beach and celebrate with “white” sand, if that counts. Just like our northern friends build a big Frosty the Snowman, we can build a Frosty, the Christmas sandman.
Whether you have a snowman or a sandman for your Christmas, it's most important to make great family memories and celebrate the birth of Jesus and the joy and peace He brought to the world.
Friendship Cake
I remember every Christmas my Grandmother would make a Friendship cake to share at Christmas.
With a Friendship cake, you make a batch of the “starter mix”. You let it ferment for about a month. Then you can make a cake and give a friend the cake and a share a “starter mix” for them to make their own Friendship cake to share with more friends. I love the idea of this gift that can keep being shared.
Here's a recipe that reminds me of the Friendship Cake my Grandma would make. These cakes make great DIY Christmas gifts.
Giving Citrus Fruits as Gift
Have you ever received oranges in your Christmas stocking? Citrus fruits have always been expensive (especially during the Great Depression), getting a treat like citrus fruit was rare for poor families in the South. Giving citrus fruits (in their peak season at Christmas time) became a gift-giving tradition.
Deep Fried Turkey
As frying a turkey or frying just about anything is fairly common in the South, I didn't realize this was a “southern” tradition. If you are looking for a new way to cook your turkey this year, I highly recommend southern style – deep fried turkey (you'll never want a turkey cooked any other way, I promise!).
Don't forget all the traditional sides, like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and a pecan pie!
Poinsettias
Every year my mom has poinsettias for Christmas (she even keeps them year round). They are a beautiful red color at Christmas time.
Did you know that poinsettias came from a Mexican Christmas tradition? US Ambassador Dr. John Robert Poinsett brought the plants back to South Carolina and started using them in Christmas decorations and sharing with friends and botanical gardens across the US. Soon, the plant became a popular Christmas decoration nationwide.
Some people even think the leaves on the poinsettia plant remind them of the star of David.
These are just a few Christmas traditions from the South, or that started in the South.
It's fun to read about how different countries and even different parts of the United States celebrate Christmas. Here are more unique Christmas traditions your family can start this year.
What Christmas traditions will you be celebrating this year?
Need more ideas? Download this list of 25 Christmas traditions to make your family Christmas merry and memorable.
Rachel Newcomb blogs at Smart Mom Smart Ideas where she writes about home organization, time management, parenting, motherhood, and work/life balance. You will find many articles to help you have an organized home, balanced family and focused life. She invites you to access the Smart Mom Resource library which includes Free printable meal planners, goal setting worksheets, an inspiring coloring book and more
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