From Don't Let the Grinch Steal Christmas
by John R. Adams, Sr.

Christmas has not always enjoyed popularity in America. In New England at one point in time it was not celebrated at all. The stern Pilgrim Fathers passed a law banning the observance of Christmas and all other holidays. They believed that only the Sabbath should be observed. The law was repealed in 1681; nevertheless, December 25th continued to be a work day well into the second half of the nineteenth century; and as late as 1870, public schools in Boston held classes on that date.

It is interesting to note that, while not a holiday in the New England colonies, Christmas was always celebrated in the other colonies; and later, in 1831, Louisiana and Arkansas would become the first states to decree Christmas a legal holiday, Georgia in 1850, and by 1890 all the states and territories would do so.

The celebration of Christmas in the United States is a blend of customs and traditions from many parts of the world. No other nation has such a variety. This is a legacy from not only the various nationalities who settled the country, but also from the different immigrant groups who came later to these shores. Each section of the United States has its own distinct regional Christmas customs, however, there are many customs that are national.

Placing a wreath on the front door is a custom brought to America by the Scandinavians who settled Delaware. To them it was a sign of welcome as well as a good luck symbol.

Displaying a lighted candle in the window as a sign of welcome was brought by the Irish. From this custom is derived the custom of decorating our homes, both inside and out with lights.

The Germans who settled Pennsylvania contributed the tradition of trimming the Christmas tree, lighting the advent wreath, making and displaying the crèche or Nativity scene.

Caroling, hanging mistletoe, holly, and stockings, as well as a more recent custom, sending Christmas cards, are only a few of a long list of customs from England. Many of our Christmas foods, including that delicious concoction, the fruitcake, are from there.

Santa has not always appeared the way we think of him today. The first well-known gift-giver was a true person----St. Nicholas. He lived in Myra (today we know it as Turkey) in about 300 A.D. Born an only child of a wealthy family, he was orphaned as an early age when both parents died of the plague. He grew up in a monastery and at the age of 17 became one of the youngest priests ever. Many stories are told of his generosity as he gave his wealth away in the form of gifts to those in need, especially children. Legends tell of him either dropping bags of gold down chimneys or throwing bags through windows there they landed in the stockings hung from the fireplace to dry. Some years later Nicholas became a Bishop----hence the bishop’s hat or miter, long flowing gown, white beard and red cape. After his death he was elevated to sainthood. Eventually the Catholic Church started celebrating Christmas and St. Nicholas was incorporated into the season.

The Dutch, who settled in New York, brought their legend of Saint Nikolaas or Sinte Klaas, from which our Santa Claus is derived. However, that jolly, rotund fellow with the long white beard, who climbs chimneys and stuffs stockings, and drives a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer is an American invention. Clement Moore created him in 1823 in his poem, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas,” later known as “'Twas The Night Before Christmas.” Borrowing elements from the Dutch St. Nikolaas, and from various other sources, Moore made his St. Nicholas very different from the European version.

Thomas Nast, political cartoonist, created a different illustration each year of Santa for the cover of Harper’s Weekly. His Santa was a plump, jolly old fellow with a white beard and smoking a long stemmed pipe. In 1863, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln asked Nast to do an illustration showing Santa with the Union troops [SEE LINK BELOW]. Many historians say this was one of the most demoralizing moments for the Confederate army…seeing Santa side with the North.

Thomas Nast also added the North Pole workshop where toys are made, a huge book in which Santa Claus records the good and bad deeds of all children, and the idea that children could write letters to Santa.

In the South, by 1863, the Union had blockaded their ports and very little was able to get through. Southern families explained to their children that even “Santa” could not get through the blockade.

These are but a few components which make up our celebration of Christmas. They and a host of other customs and traditions all contribute to that sense of wonder and excitement which characterizes the Christmas holiday season in America.