The American Christmas is celebrated within a "holiday season" from late November to early January. Major cities hold parades to kick off the shopping season. Decorations like Christmas trees and lights are displayed both inside homes and across public spaces. December 25th is a federal holiday, so many workplaces close. Families gather for traditional meals like turkey dinner. The main figure is Santa Claus, who brings gifts on Christmas Eve. The tree is decorated after Thanksgiving and presents are placed underneath on Christmas morning to open.