Unwrapping Christmas: Tracing the History and Development of Christmas in America

COURTESY MIKE EARDLY/REMINISCE

Amidst the glimmering lights, joyful carols, and cherished gatherings, Christmas in America weaves a captivating tale of tradition and evolution. Rooted in the early customs of European settlers and shaped by a whirlwind of cultural influences, the celebration of Christmas has transformed across centuries, from its humble beginnings to the grandeur of modern festivities. This article embarks on a historical journey, unwrapping the layers of the American Christian tradition of Christmas.

Christmas Celebrations in the Colonial Period

If Thanksgiving can be considered an old New England tradition, celebrating Christmas is not, at least not Christmas as we now know it. At one point, the Puritans in Boston even banned celebrating Christmas. For example, in 1659 the Massachusetts Bay Colony levied a 5-shilling fine on anyone celebrating Christmas by feasting or not working. Many of us may know about this curious piece of American history, but we may not know just why the Puritans were so against Christmas.

It was not because of Christmas' Pagan origins have many argued, rather it was because of the manner in which many colonialists chose to celebrate the holiday. It seems that in the 17th century in both Europe and colonial America, the Christmas season was a time of riotous celebrations with a huge amount of drinking, carousing, and general mayhem. It was more like Trick-or-Treat on steroids or like Mardi Gras than any kind of holy day. This rowdy and irreligious celebration is what Cotton Mather and his Puritan brethren were so against. In an entry from his journal in 1712, Mather wrote, "the feast of Christ's Nativity is spent in Reveling, Dicing, Carding, Masking, and in Licentious Liberty."[1]

So the Puritan objection to the Christmas tradition in early America was less about the act of celebrating the birth of Christ, and more about the manner of celebration that was being indulged in. Nevertheless, many parts of these early colonial celebrations would take root and become a part of the developing holiday traditions that would come to mark the Christmas celebration. Perhaps the most important coming out of the primary Dutch Colony of New York. Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (now New York) celebrated "Sinterklaas," eventually evolving into the Americanized figure of Santa Claus.

The Rise of the Classic Christmas Tradition in Nineteenth-Century

Christmas in the nineteenth century underwent a transformative journey in America, shaping the holiday into the cultural phenomenon we recognize today. This pivotal period witnessed the fusion of various customs, the popularization of key traditions, and the emergence of a more widespread celebration of the holiday season. The early 1800s marked a time of diverse cultural influences that began to mold Christmas celebrations in America.[2] European customs, including the German tradition of decorating trees and the English practice of exchanging gifts, were brought to the New World by immigrants, contributing to the evolving landscape of Christmas festivities.[3]

Washington Irving's "The Sketch Book" (1819-1820) played a pivotal role in popularizing old English traditions, portraying a jovial and festive Christmas atmosphere.[4] Additionally, Clement Clarke Moore's poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (1823), commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas," introduced iconic elements such as Santa Claus and his reindeer, shaping the modern image of Christmas.

Courtesy of William L. CLements Library, University of Michigan

The mid-nineteenth century witnessed the Industrial Revolution, which significantly impacted the celebration of Christmas. Advances in manufacturing led to the mass production of ornaments, gifts, and Christmas cards.[5] The introduction of lithography and later chromolithography revolutionized the printing industry, enabling the widespread distribution of colorful and affordable Christmas cards.

Thomas Nast, a prominent illustrator for Harper's Weekly, played a crucial role in shaping the American image of Santa Claus. His illustrations between 1863 and 1886 depicted Santa as a rotund, cheerful figure clad in red and white, further solidifying the modern visual representation of the holiday icon. Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Oldtown Folks" (1869) highlighted the sentimental aspects of the holiday, emphasizing family gatherings and the importance of generosity and goodwill.[6] Such literary works contributed to the sentimentalization of Christmas, emphasizing its role as a time for familial joy and unity. Finally in 1870, Christmas became a federally recognized holiday in the United States.

The First Christmas Card, circa 1843, courtesy Smithsonian Magazine

Emergence of Commercialization and Popularization of Traditions

The nineteenth century witnessed a shift in Christmas celebrations from primarily religious observance to a more socio-cultural phenomenon. The emergence of Christmas as a family-centered holiday, emphasizing gift-giving and merriment, reflected societal changes and the growing influence of American social mobility and cosumerism through the rise of the expanding market place.[7] With the advent of the 20th century, commercialization profoundly impacted the essence of Christmas. Advertisements, especially by Coca-Cola featuring Santa Claus, contributed to the iconic red-suited figure now synonymous with the holiday. The consumer culture boom during the mid-1900s further solidified Christmas as a time for gift-giving and material indulgence, marking a further shift from religious observance to consumerist spectacle.

Coca-Cola Advertisment, circa 1947

Maintaining Tradition, Reclaiming the Spirit

I believe in the importance of traditions and I believe they stand as icons of the human story, adorned means by which we pass the things that matter most to us down to succeeding generations. Yet, it must always be remembered that what makes a tradition worth passing on or leaving behind, is the spirit which exists behind it. As we navigate the twenty-first century, there's a growing yearning to reclaim the original essence of Christmas. It's an opportunity to step away from the overwhelming consumerist tide and reconnect with the profound meaning of the Christ who came—a time to focus on compassion, kindness, and selflessness.

I believe the reason the Christmas tradition is worth passing down to my children, and continuing on within our culture, is because of the reason that it exists altogether: God came down to save a broken and sinful humanity. I can think of no greater light to hang over our homes, no greater hope to fill our hearts, no greater message behind our carols, no greater gift to share with one another. In the Gospel of Luke, it's written, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors" (Luke 2:14). This proclamation, heralding the arrival of the Messiah, resonates with the timeless essence of Christmas—a message of peace and goodwill towards all.

As this incredible tradition continues, may we not lose sight of the grand spirit and truth for its existence in the first place. This Christmas, may we join together in rediscovering the genuine essence of the holiday—a time of spiritual renewal, communal unity, and acts of kindness that echo the spirit of Christ's teachings. May the words of the angelic proclamation in Luke 2:14 resonate within our hearts, guiding us towards a celebration centered on sharing love, embracing joy, extending grace, and fostering peace.

Footnotes

[1] Penne L. Restad, Christmas in America: A History (Oxford University Press, 1995).

[2] J.R. Finley, "The Development of Christmas Customs in the United States," The Journal of American Folklore 29, no. 112 (1916): 359-381.

[3] Restad, Christmas in America.

[4] Washington Irving, The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. (1819-1820).

[5] Stephen Nissenbaum, The Battle for Christmas (Vintage, 1997).

[6] Harriet Beecher Stowe, Oldtown Folks (1869).

[7] Nissenbaum, The Battle for Christmas.