{Christmas} days of yore

There is something so enchanting about Christmas photos from the late 1800's and early 1900's. Peering into past Christmases, there are unmistakable differences - the shape of the Christmas trees, the tinsel, the candles, the 'brown paper packages tied up with string', the contented look on the children's faces even though they didn't receive a gazillion presents (if only, right?) - it is all so delightful.

Christmas 1900 - Orville and Wilbur Wright - Courtesy of Shorpy

Christmas 1912 - "We were to smile a big smile so Dad could send the picture to Grandma in Mansfield, Ohio...I looked like Red Skelton!...Bed, large doll, fruit bowl set were Murnie's (older sister). The rest was all mine." Caption by Nedra Treace, photo taken by her father, Harry G. Treace" Courtesy of Shorpy

Circa 1927 - Courtesy of The Haunted Lamp

Courtesy of Cartes Postales Anciennes de l'Hérault

What I find most extraordinary is that Christmas as we know it was not even conceived by Americans until the middle of the 1800's! The blend of carols, cards, presents and trees before the Civil War era just did not exist. Even as late as the early 19th century, many Americans hardly took notice of the holiday at all. Seems strange, right?

The Christmas Tree is actually a German tradition but by the 1850's many Americans had adopted the custom. At first the decorations were more of a folk tradition, adding nuts, strings of popcorn or beads, oranges, lemons, and homemade trinkets. But by the 1870's American businessmen were importing ornaments from Germany to sell to the public. 'So many charming little ornaments can now be bought ready to decorate Christmas trees that it seems almost a waste of time to make them at home,' one advertisement stated.

Weihnachten 1928 in Berlin- Courtesy of Miss Mertens

Of course none of us can remember a time when there wasn't a national celebration of Christmas and that suits me just fine! I simply adore this time of year, the traditions my parents created for me (first song I heard and now my children hear each Christmas morning is Nat King Cole's 'The Christmas Song'), the traditions we have created for our children, and the overall feeling of joy. It really is 'the most wonderful time of the year'.

Merry Christmas to ALL a fabulous night - {quirks}