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Newspaper
Polk Progress
Location
Polk, Nebraska, United States of America
Date
Dec 27, 1945
Page
6
Christmas is Christmas from one corner of the earth to the other. This year the day means something special, a period of thanksgiving for the end of a long bitter struggle. While most nations will celebrate the day in reverence to Christ, the customs vary in different countries and different regions.
For eight evenings before Christmas a religious procession in Mexico carries figures of Joseph and Mary at the head. Each member bears a lighted taper and they sing Christmas songs through the streets. They seek admittance to homes each night. On the ninth evening a religious ceremony is held around the Christ Child’s straw-filled manger.
The Polish Wigilia marks Christmas with a twelve dish supper prepared in each family style. After the feast, lights go out and bowls of nuts, raisins, fruits, and cakes are shared around the tree by candlelight.
The piece describes Sinter Klaas, known to Dutch children as Saint Nicholas, who visits on Christmas Eve to judge if children deserve presents. After his departure, kids place wooden shoes by the fireplace with hay and carrots for his white horse, then await a restless night.
The tale links Epiphany to gift giving across cultures. Spanish legend follows the Wise Men to Bethlehem as Befana and Babouska seek the Christ Child, leaving toys and hay for horses and lighting candles for sleeping children.
Dr. Clement Clark Moore told his children the St Nicholas tale in 1822 and wrote The Visit of St Nicholas for them. Published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel in 1823, he later revealed authorship after years of secrecy. Miss Harriet Butler, guest in Moore’s home, copied the tale and sent a version to the newspaper in 1823.
Santa enlists many helpers as fire departments become repair centers in cities. Boys and girls assist with knowing each child’s wishes and aid in the toy making and delivery effort.
The article notes Puritan New England housewives made bayberry candles for economic reasons rather than Christmas symbolism. It recalls the Mayflower voyage, 1659 Massachusetts General Court noting Christmas was abolished in 1643, and how Puritan antipathy persisted into the early 20th century despite improved communications.
Various foreign countries celebrate Christmas with unique traditions. Norway tells of a spruce growing from bloodied ground where lovers died, symbolizing love and hope. In Naples Saint Marks dogs attend church until their owners depart, while Russia emphasizes Mary’s omnipotence with scenes of her rather than the Christ Child.
The toy trade foresees under eight percent metal toys and limited electric trains due to shortages. Wood and cardboard playthings will lead the season with strong doll parades and parlor games such as Camelot and Monopoly. Classic card games and simple escape-type games are popular choices for families across the season.
The Nation's Christmas Tree, a Sequoia gigantea about 267 feet tall, was dedicated on Christmas Day 1925 in General Grant National Park 64 miles east of Fresno California. Annual ceremonies are held beneath the tree when weather permits.
The article recalls the Star of Bethlehem as foretold by the prophet and guiding the Wise Men to Jesus in Bethlehem. It notes Herod’s remixing of prophecy and the star’s return, framing the star as enduring through tyranny and darkness and bringing lasting peace.
Bethlehem on December 24 hosts the arrival of the Patriarch of Jerusalem and Cardinal of the Holy Land who bring an ancient effigy of the Infant Jesus to the manger in the cave birthplace. A procession led by horsemen, police on Arab horses, bishops, clergy, and acolytes follows to the Church of the Nativity where the placement is restricted to Greek Orthodox guardians. Denominational carols rise atop the birthplace before midnight mass.
Plush toys will be plentiful in Santa's pack though Dydee the pre war favorite cannot arrive before 1946 due to postwar rubber shortages. Doll furniture like cradles beds and high chairs will be limited. Doll carriages are mass produced but few will have metal components.
The article notes the 1851 origin in the Catskills when Mark Carr sold two sledge loads of trees in New York. It states most regions now grow trees with the Far West as the largest producer and mentions buyers often see forestry practice notices on tagged trees.
Wilbur receives a Christmas package intended for Captain Bellows after Butch and Red ambush him and steal and desecrate the box. The prank collapses when Wilbur explains the parcel was meant for the captain and delivered by Sergeant Herriott, revealing the ruse.
A homeless waif named Zed is adopted by Nomads in Judea. He learns kindness from Eleazar's family, then plans to sell a jewel stolen earlier to buy himself a mother in Jerusalem. The tale echoes moral Christmas storytelling from a Mrs. Perry origin.
Josie and Frank plan marriage with a small house purchase but learn the cottage is effectively theirs already. They move forward with a job at a refrigerator plant, pay off debts, and are surprised by a $1,400 windfall from Mrs. Johnson, who reveals ownership by Josie.
War years added over five million children to the toy age group, challenging Santa to meet specific requests. He will have toys and games in limited supply, with slightly larger quantities of science toys. Hobby kits will include airplane boat and build it yourself models.
Engelbert Humperdinck wrote Hansel and Gretel as a Christmas party piece for his sister's children. The fairy tale opera, with Adelheid Wette's lyrics, became a sensation and remains loved by audiences of all ages since 1893.
The Pennsylvania Dutch convert living rooms into elaborate holiday scenes called Putyeas. Families pass them down generations and store them in cotton between seasons. They tour neighborhoods during Christmas week, admiring each other’s Putyeas, with manger scenes and snowbanked landscapes in scale.
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