Santa Claus in Puritan America through the seventeenth century
The article traces Christmas and Santa Claus in colonial America from Puritan Massachusetts where Christmas was banned, to New Amsterdam where St. Nicholas was celebrated with homemade gifts, to Virginia with merriment, and notes the gradual toy rise from the eighteenth century onward, with war and postwar recovery shaping holiday customs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa Claus
Massachusetts
Geraldine Ames
Churchman
New Amsterdam
St. Nicholas
Virginia
Church of England
New York
Far
Vailey Worge
Httle
Christemus Gerryan
Old Friends Remembered On Christmas Card
A nostalgic note reflects on a holiday greeting from an old friend Bil. The writer recalls eleven years since they last met, notes affection from Aunt Susie's scarf, and marvels at Bil's memory in a colored postcard message.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bill
Mary
Susie
George
First Christmas Card Launched in 1846 by Sir Henry Cole
The first Christmas card appeared in 1846 when Englishman Sir Henry Cole sent Yuletide greetings to his friends, marking the origin of a long standing Christmas custom.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sir Henry Cole
Christmas Bells Poem by J William Pope
A Christmas poem describes distant bells tolling midnight joy and praise for Christ’s nativity. Cherubs ring the bells as the world awakens to the newborn King while homes decked with pine and flowers join in the anthem.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Christ
J. William Pope
Ancient Christmas Toys Unearthed In Egypt And Rome
The British Museum houses an array of ancient Christmas toys found in ruins across Rome Greece and Egypt. A Behnesa Egypt doll with painted face and moving limbs suggests early Christian joy for children nearly two thousand years ago. Stone clay and wood figures include toy dogs horses and donkeys.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Rome
Greece
Egypt
British Museum
Behnesa
Convenience of Santa Myth Cited in Grinful Exchange
A conversation notes a cynic view that Santa Claus is a convenience to take responsibility for children’s disappointment on Christmas morning. The remark frames the myth as a practical coping tool rather than a cherished belief.
A Christmas Suppose for Grown Ups and Children
A Christmas proposal to shift gift giving from individuals to collective charity. The Christian Register asks adults to pool presents or donate to hospitals and homes for the disabled, the poor, and the blind as an experimental holiday practice.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Christian Register
Ragged Visitor Breaks Heart of Millionaire on Christmas Eve
A ragged man burst into a millionaire's office on Christmas Eve and poured out his woes with graphic emotion. Moved to tears, the millionaire rang for his servant and ordered the man removed, saying he was breaking his heart.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
John
Their Annual Resolve Promises Early Christmas Gifts
In a lighthearted note, readers echo a familiar resolve to begin making Christmas presents soon, a yearly tradition that repeats each season with plan and humor. The line reflects optimistic intent to craft gifts ahead of next Christmas.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Kinney-Oakland Co
E. C. Kinney
Prop
Glenwood
Iowa
Archer’s Grocery
Glenwood, Iowa
E.M. Travers
Cozy Cafe
Glenwod
the Tribune
Isy i
Kier & Son
North Side Square
Glenwood,iowa
Santa
Colonies
Nes
Merry Christmas
Glenwood State Bank
N. W. Colling & Son
Hastings, Iowa
J. L. Hanks
South Side Square
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