As we move into the Christmas Holiday season, many of us are feeling the 'stress' of getting everything done. For some, it's children, others family and friends and the rounds of parties, food, candy and presents. But what of those days of Christmas past?
As many know, I love research and reading old newspapers. With a day job, my research sometimes has to take the back seat. So, for this post, I thought I'd share some stories I've found along the way.
In Lawrence, Kansas in 1874, the Christmas decorating may have gotten to be to much according to the following article. Imagine having to put a notice in the paper that you were not going to be able to have Christmas Eve services due to decorating. Still, I admire their dedication.
Of course in the resort towns of Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, things were a bit different in 1875. Things were spoken of and put on in a grand scale for citizens and visitors.
Of course those in Helena, Montana seemed to have had a wonderful time in the year 1879,
In 1863 one family on the Arkansas river, up close to the cut off to what is now Monarch pass, had been cut off from others and the towns due to heavy fall snow storms that year. They had been working their claim, even in the heart of winter. When Christmas arrived, they had plenty of food, but not much variety. One daughter, with the help of her siblings decided to bring out the good china brought from their home in Nebraska and serve up a feast of mock turkey made from beef and beans along with substitute coffee, made from browned bran. The parents were the guest of honor.
Here's wishing everyone the best that the holiday season has to offer. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
And a couple of songs to listen to as you relax.
Oh Holy Night
Do You Hear What I Hear
And probably one of my all time favorites
Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth
Doris Gardner-McCraw -
Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History
Colorado and Women's History
Writing fiction as Angela Raines
Angela Raines - author: Where Love & History Meet
For a list of Angela Raines Books: Here
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