10 American Holiday Traditions Brits Think Are Completely Over the Top

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Ever wondered how folks across the pond view American holiday traditions? Well, you might find it funny, but many British people think some American holiday customs are just too much. From giant Halloween decorations to massive Fourth of July parties, let’s take a look at what makes Brits shake their heads in amusement at the American go-big-or-go-home spirit during the holidays.

1. Giant Halloween decorations

This one really stands out! In the U.S., Halloween is the time when houses transform into haunted mansions covered in massive spider webs, giant skeletons, and enormous inflatable pumpkins. Walking through American neighborhoods in October, you’ll see front yards turned into terrifying graveyards or witch gatherings. Brits might find this extreme as back in Britain, Halloween is usually a bit more subdued with just a few pumpkins and maybe some window decorations.

2. Huge Christmas light displays

When December rolls around, some American homes light up like small cities! With thousands of twinkling lights, synchronized music shows, and full-blown Santa’s workshops in the front yard, these displays are something else. While Brits enjoy festive lights, the scale in the U.S. can sometimes seem like a competition to have the brightest house on the block, which might be a bit much for the more reserved British taste.

3. Days of Thanksgiving preparation

Thanksgiving in the U.S. means business. Days, sometimes even weeks, of preparation go into making the perfect feast. From the turkey to countless sides and pies, the amount of food prepared is something Brits can hardly wrap their heads around. In Britain, while big meals for Christmas are common, the Thanksgiving-style feast is seen as wonderfully over the top.

4. Massive Easter egg hunts

Easter in America can sometimes feel like a major sporting event, especially when you see the massive Easter egg hunts organized in communities. These events, complete with thousands of eggs, games, and sometimes even fair rides, are a spectacle of their own. Compared to the usually smaller, family-focused hunts in the UK, these grand American hunts can seem a bit extravagant.

5. Huge Fourth of July parties

The Fourth of July is America’s big birthday bash, and it shows. Sky-high fireworks, enormous barbecues, and loud, proud parties dominate this summer holiday. While Brits might have a simple BBQ or a picnic to enjoy a sunny day, the all-out American style with fireworks that light up the entire sky can look a bit like an over-the-top movie scene.

6. Enormous Thanksgiving leftovers

After the giant feast comes the endless amount of leftovers. Americans have a knack for turning Thanksgiving leftovers into a week’s worth of meals. From turkey sandwiches to pies that seem to last forever, the amount of food that hangs around after Thanksgiving might surprise some Brits who are used to cooking just enough to go around.

7. Matching family Christmas pyjamas

Nothing says ‘family’ in the U.S. during Christmas like a set of matching pyjamas. Entire families dressed in the same festive outfit can be cute, but to Brits, this might seem a bit too storybook-like. It’s a fun and cozy American tradition, but it’s definitely something you see more in movies than in British households.

8. Elaborate pumpkin displays

Not just a simple jack-o’-lantern, but entire scenes crafted out of pumpkins! Think of pumpkin art where these orange canvases turn into intricate masterpieces. While carving pumpkins is common in the UK too, the elaborate displays and competitions held in the U.S. take this tradition to an entirely new level.

9. Turning entire gardens into seasonal attractions

In America, it isn’t just the home that gets a seasonal makeover; entire gardens are turned into attractions. From spooky Halloween setups to winter wonderlands, some Americans deck out their gardens to the max. Brits, known for their lovely but typically understated gardens, might find this transformation surprisingly extravagant.

10. Decorating the whole house for one holiday

And finally, when Americans decorate for a holiday, every inch of the house gets touched. Whether it’s Halloween, Christmas, or the Fourth of July, decorations often spill from the inside out. It’s common to see houses completely decked out to celebrate. For Brits, this universal transformation is fascinating, as decorations in the UK tend to be more concentrated and less widespread.