Yuletide is upon us again. It follows two months of other celebrations that have special meaning to most citizens, but no season is as delightful or meaningful as that which highlights December. The reason for the season brings forth a flood of activities, ideas, outreach experiences, creations, and emotions that envelop us with renewed spirits. It colors our days and nights with musical events and sets our vocals cords rendering the songs. The season features plays, skits, performances, dining out events, a variety of parties, and countless video specials. Concerts for the benefit of those in need are scheduled. We move about daily amidst decorations so numerous in our homes, in the yards, along the streets, in our work settings, and the stores keeping us stimulated. We love every moment. It’s Yuletide.
The early settlers in South Central Kentucky would have been amazed, for the scene just described was inconceivable in their lives. For the most part, the day was simply another day struggling to house themselves, grow their food, overcoming difficulties. Some didn’t have calendars and time for the holiday slipped on by. Others were part of a church group that acknowledged this special event but tended to celebrate by worshiping together. Those who did celebrate the day often spent it giving each other a gift made by the giver during the year, followed by a special food item.
Since these earlier settlers previously lived in Virginia, North Carolina, or one of the other more developed communities, it is assumed that Christmas traditions were part of their heritage. Survival and developing their stronghold took precedence. It is possible they heard about the 1812 poem, “Old Santeclaus,” that connected Santa for the first time to flying reindeer. Two years later, they surely heard about Clement Clarke Moore’s “The Night Before Christmas.” It did not take long for the jolly, round little body that shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly, with the flying reindeer image, soon to become America’s favorite.
In 1972, Patricia Ellis Anderson wrote a small 52-page booklet recording the results she discovered in her search of early pioneer experiences relating to celebrating Christmas. “The Secret of a Pioneer Christmas” reminded the reader that most gifts exchanged were those handmade by family members with seldom a store-bought item. The author describes the importance of the decorated tree. Oh, dear, from our childhood how many chain links can we remember making from paper, popcorn or cranberries? Under the tree on Christmas morn will probably be a stick horse, or a top to spin, a checkerboard, or a small soft animal. Children marked the day with playing games and guessing riddles.
The Christmas dinner will not be store-bought but based on what items were stored after harvest. It was often difficult if you were a new resident that arrived too late to raise enough food for the winter. Continuing on this subject, the author spends pages on types and uses of food items introducing some challenging ideas for making a great meal. Pioneer women were very clever in discovering useful ingredients. If you had no sugar, molasses, or honey to sweeten your food, then follow her directions for making a sweet and syrupy liquid from a pumpkin. “Secret” shares Christmas ideas with the Indians.
Christmas parties include family members, neighbors, and visitors in the area taking part in dances, singing, and games. Pioneers worked every day all year long, but they knew how to play hard during celebrations.
Another Christmas-themed booklet that is always fun to reread this time of year was compiled by Jim Erskine, a well-known local Kentucky author. Mr. Erskine is the author of over 30 books of humor for children. In 1990 he took time to browse through the local newspaper and gleaned some entries to put together in a booklet entitled “A Bowling Green Christmas Sampler – A Nostalgic Look At Our Christmas Past.” The material is a delight to read.
The “Sampler” begins with an introduction to the early pioneer lack of celebration of the holiday and continues to how, over time, that changed. Mr. Erskine cites a December 1899 newspaper reference to celebrating the holiday. He then captures the reader with items gleaned from several years. There is a 1910 look at the social life in our city, of the Christmas parties, giving the reader an in-depth look at the food, jokes fostering laughter, singing, and of course, square dancing typical at the turn of the century.
Other delights in Erskine’s compiled book are the happy letters of the children to old St. Nick. It is interesting to see life from a child’s view. The inclusion of copies of ads in the pages helps to experience the change of time as items are included for many years. Letters written to the newspaper help us recall people and events. New items of events are woven in the pages. Menus for Christmas dinners are included. Special entertainment events and special radio events are included. Gee! It’s just fun to reminisce with this book. Mr. Erskine hoped “the reader will enjoy this glimpse into our city and its people past.”
Yuletide is the time to enjoy being with others, often caring and sharing with individuals from a distance. The season can also be a time for renewal of what is essential in our lives. May the yuletide be this for you and your loved ones in 2024.
-by Mary Alice Oliver
About the Author: Mary Alice Oliver is a Bowling Green native who is a 1950 graduate of Bowling Green High School. She retired from Warren County Schools after 40 years in education. Visiting familiar sites, researching historical records and sharing memories with friends are her passions.
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