CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE EYES OF CHILDREN LONG AGO

by Pat Rodgers

Let’s take a look back at childhood memories of Christmas and the traditions that defined Christmas around the late 19th century. The Christmas we celebrate today seems like a timeless weaving of customs and familiar mix of carols, cards, presents, trees, and multiplicities of Santas. How did children celebrate Christmas in 19th century rural America.

The year is 1891 and the small town of McKinney prepares for Christmas. Local newspaper, The Democrat, reports that “the town Christmas tree on the square is decorated and the stores are stocked full of Christmas delights: glass and tinware and toys of all kinds, stationary, and perfumery prepared for the coming holidays. The assortment of dolls and buggies is very fine. Come and see for yourself!”

The article continues, “The Christmas tree ceremony at the First Baptist Church was a rich and delightful occasion. The singing was splendid. Austin Crouch, assuming the role of Santa Claus, made the merry children still merrier by his jolly demeanor and witty expressions.”

The newspaper reported that Santa Claus arrived in McKinney at 2 pm on December 17, 1891. He was “met by a host of children who accompanied him to The Nickel Store, where he spent the afternoon taking the orders of the children for Christmas presents.”

Other children in McKinney sent their requests to Santa Claus by letter, and the letters such as this one were published in the local paper, The Courier Gazette:

“Dear Old Santa Claus,

I hope our chimney won’t be too small for you to see. Just drop an iron horse and some cars, A B C blocks, a little rocking horse and a collar for Fido down the chimney and I’ll be sure to find them”

(signed) Clifford G.

In 1901 the Christmas tree at the Christian Church was one of McKinney’s spectacular attractions. The Courier proclaimed on Christmas Eve it would be something “new and unique” in McKinney. Instead of the usual decorations the tree will be illuminated with many beautiful electrified lights, which will change 160 times every ten minutes, making over 1600 changes in colors during the rendition of the program.”

In 1907, another little boy, who would grow up to be the Mayor of McKinney one day, wrote Santa the following letter:

Dear Old Santa,

I have been a good little boy. So be good to me and bring me a loop-the-loop, a little telephone, big drum, little printing press, lots of apples, oranges, nuts and candy. I sell papers for Christmas nickels too. Will you please buy one from me?”

(signed) Tom Perkins

In the years following 1890, McKinney’s children celebrated at family gatherings, with singing, and playing with handmade toys. Little girls asked Santa for dolls made from cloth. Most gifts were handmade and also included fresh oranges and apples placed in stockings or on the tree.

The tree was always an evergreen, with homemade decorations like strings of popcorn, beads, oranges, lemons, candies and homemade trinkets.

As an important part of Christmas, children were also taught the story of Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem and God’s gift to the World. They heard of the shepherds on the

hillside and wise men who visited the Christ Child, bringing royal gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

By 1900, Christmas evolved into a more public holiday, and traditions like singing carols in public, decorating evergreen trees, and receiving gifts grew.

As the century drew to a close, mass-produced toys became more available, particularly for families who could afford them. Santa’s list grew and boys and girls were asking for toy drums, rocking horses, iron cars, porcelain dolls and high chairs.

On December 8, 1907, the Courier Gazette received this letter to Santa from a little boy who wanted everything he could possibly imagine.

“Dear Santa Claus: I want you to bring me a fire engine, a hook and ladder wagon, fire wagon, fire crackers, sky rockets, roman candles, football, pop gun, candy, apple, nuts, and some sparklers. I have tried to be a good little boy. I have a little sister. Her is name is Martha, and Oh yes, I forgot, I want a train and some tiny bugs that you pull a string and they crawl. Send these to Thomas Hughston PS: And a storybook.

Each of us treasures childhood memories of Christmas. Share those cherished memories with your children and grandchildren. Visit McKinney and the Collin County History Museum this holiday season and see Christmas again through the eyes of children.