Lorie, I love this topic and reading everybody traditions! Christmas is my face celebration and I like the idea that we all celebrate it around the world!
I think we have a lot of similar traditions in the US.
Here we begin by celebrating the first Sunday of Advent with an Advent wreath and its four candles.
We often start decorating at this time.
We make the Christmas crib with the santons that we install.
At home, there is the Christmas tree that we decorate, a Christmas wreath on the wall and lots of Christmas decorations everywhere. We love that!
We listen to Christmas music often American but also French.
We try to visit Santa Claus and choose the gifts that will please everyone. And spend too much!
On Christmas Eve, we do the last groceries we need for the night.
In the evening, we celebrate, we get all dressed up and we organize a kind of brunch.
We put a glass of milk, a carrot for Rudolph and a cookie for Santa.
There is Midnight Mass but it's a little late for my parents.
The next morning, the children (and adults) open their presents, we place Jesus in the crib and in the evening we have a good meal again as a family.
My sister loves decorating the table.
These are family moments that I love very much.
I love the magic of Christmas!