Christmas in Sierra

Christmas in Sierra, a predominantly Christian nation, is the most important holiday on its calendar year and is widely celebrated throughout the nation. It is officially recognized as a by the federal and provincial governments, and is also regarded as a  by many Sierran businesses and private organizations. Although the holiday has continued to retain a significant religious aspect to it, it is observed by both many Christian and non-Christian Sierrans alike. Bearing similarities with other Anglo-American Christmas traditions, observation of Christmas in Sierra trace its origins back to the German American community. Subsequent immigration from regions including Latin America, Southern Europe, and East Asia have also contributed to modern Sierran Christmas customs. Since, Christmas has become increasingly commercialized and secularized, with high consumer consumption and end-of-the-year sales occurring during Christmas season (which officially begins after Sierra Day on November 28 and ends on either  or the day of ). Occasionally, Christmastide is grouped with Sierra's second most important holiday season, the (which occurs between late January or early February), and referred to as the "Season of Jubilation".

During the, Christmas itself, and days following after, various traditions and customs can be observed where Christmas songs, carols, and related entertainment are played on the radio and television, homes and businesses are decorated with s, , ornaments, and scenes of the Nativity, children are encouraged to be kind in order to receive gifts from , stores mark down their entire inventory at discounted prices, and special Christmas dishes are prepared and eaten at home. In addition, many schools, universities, businesses, and banks close during and around Christmas. In many schools, before winter break, visits schoolchildren Businesses have customarily allowed their employees to return home to spend time with loved ones during Christmas and are legally required to compensate those who choose to work during the holiday with extra pay. Christmas season also coincides with higher-than-average church attendance, with nearly two-thirds of Sierrans attending at least one church service on the day of or on the days prior to Christmas. Gifts are usually exchanged between family and friends on, and the gifts are then customarily opened the following Christmas morning. Parties are held on Christmas with traditional dinner meals and alcohol to celebrate the occasion.