In this continent-sized
country, Christmas is a time for children, a time when
Santa Claus comes down the chimney bringing gifts.
But across this patchwork of states, there are countless
regional variations. A fir tree might decorate living-rooms
throughout the north-east states, while in the south,
palm trees are dressed in their Christmas best, garlanded
with white lights in front of stores and along the
avenues.
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There is no typical Christmas menu.
Turkey was the centrepiece of Thanksgiving dinner some
weeks before; it now surrenders centre stage to a beautiful
roast of beef. First courses often incorporate smoked
salmon and there are numerous hors-d'oeuvre, while
dessert varies according to the region and the cook's
own specialties. Presentation is everything: there
are Christmas-tree and star-shaped moulds, garnishes
added to provide a splash of red and green, and so
on.
At the White House, "President's Cake" is
served, made from a recipe that is over 200 years old.
This is
a tradition that dates from Abraham Lincoln's time, and
which is found no where else.
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Meanwhile, everywhere in the country
the lady of the house makes a big glass bowl of traditional
eggnog, a rich, thick drink flavoured with rum, and
sometimes spiced with cinnamon or nutmeg, and offered
in little glasses to every guest as a sign of hospitality.
In the lobbies of big hotels, eggnog is given a place
of honour on a white tablecloth near the illuminated
Christmas tree, providing a little warmth to the heart
of every guest.
Merry Christmas
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