Compare and Contrast of Thanksgiving and Christmas

Compare and Contrast of Thanksgiving and Christmas

Holidays in the United States are very special times that many of us hold dear. Many can think back on the holidays that they have experienced and remember all their favorite memories that they have had. Thanksgiving and Christmas are two very important holidays that many Americans choose to celebrate. They are traditional holidays that can bring families together, because when children grow up and leave the comfort and security of their parent's home, it is these holidays that are held responsible for giving them the chance to come home and reunite. Thanksgiving and Christmas are both holidays when people show lots of concern and compassion for others. Even though there are many similarities between the two, they also have lots of differences. Traditions and the seasons are two main areas that differ when comparing and contrasting.

Christmas and Thanksgiving are similar in the sense that they both have traditional holiday feasts. Generally Christmas and Thanksgiving dinner consists of a roast turkey or ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and some vegetables. Dessert is usually pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving and eggnog for Christmas. For both holidays children often enjoy helping their parents in the kitchen while making the dessert. The seating arrangement is also the same for both holidays, in that the adult will sit at their table and the kids will have a separate table.

There are many types of decorations that are used during the Christmas time, which are traditionally green, red, and white. The typical icons associated with the holiday include Santa Clause, Jesus, the Star of Bethlehem, and the Christian Cross. Most importantly is the Christmas tree which was first recorded in 1835 and was a tradition that was believed to have begun in Germany in the 18th Century. Even though many can argue that Martin Luther began the tradition in the 16th century. This tradition quickly spread from Germany to England and then to the United States. Christmas trees are generally decorated with lights and ornaments. Thanksgiving decorations characterize the main icons that reflect the past. The main icons that are tied to the fall celebration is the turkey which is viewed as one of the most essential images of Thanksgiving. The flower cornucopia is used to symbolize the appreciation of food and abundance. Pumpkins and gourds are fall fruits that are essential to Thanksgiving because of their native North American origin. The images that adorn many of our Thanksgiving table's capes today are tied to the fall celebration by many years of history. Both holidays use an abundance of colors that reflect the outside atmosphere which help bring out the spirit of the holiday.

One of the differences that distinguish Christmas from Thanksgiving is which season each holiday is celebrated in. Christmas which is on the 25th of December every year