Christmas Traditions

Some love winter because of the many holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, New Year's Eve . . . the list goes on), and for some it's the cold, wet, snowy, and rainy weather they enjoy. For others, it's the possible sports - skiing, ice skating, playing in the snow, and sledding - that brighten up those frigid winter months. This collection of photos shows our ancestors enjoyed their winters whether bundled up in warm clothes, playing in the snow as a family, or skating around the park. Get a glimpse into what winter wonderlands looked like from the past.

Do you remember the Christmas trees of your childhood? Was the tree trimmed with elegant ornaments, or did you have a "children's tree" full of whimsical decorations? Today, nearly everyone who celebrates Christmas has some kind of tree, real or artificial - remember the silver plastic trees of the 1960's? Remember the tons of tinsel in the 1950's? What are your memories of and traditions around your Christmas tree? Do any of these photos bring back memories?

Shopping during the 1900s was a different experience than it is today. Now two decades (wow!) into the 21st century, online shopping is beginning to equal, if not outspend, the shopping at brick and mortar stores. Things were very different not that long ago. In the 20th century people had to go out and shop - in great numbers. A part of everyone's Christmas tradition was going to the stores and enjoying the sights and sounds: The beautiful window displays, the Christmas lights, the newest toys and clothes, visiting Santa, sometimes hearing carolers . . . and the crowds. Always the crowds. Checkout this collection of photos highlighting the experience of Christmas shopping during the 1900s. Do these photos bring back memories?

First performed by Bing Crosby (on radio) on Christmas in 1941, Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" has become a classic. Bing Crosby's version of the song has sold over 100 million copies and all versions of it have sold over 150 million copies! This is a clip from the 1942 film "Holiday Inn". It was the first time that the song appeared in a movie. Bing sings, of course (how can anyone imitate that voice!) but actress Marjorie Reynolds' voice is dubbed by Martha Mears. We hear this song every year at

Santa wasn't always the fluffy jolly character we think of today. The 1823 poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" - commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas" - popularized our current vision of Santa Claus. Based on the life of St. Nicholas, a 4th century Greek saint who was known for his secret gift giving, the "jolly old elf" has in many ways become the very image of Christmas in the West. He's known by many names - Father Christmas, Sinterklaas, Christkind, Kris Kringle, to name a few - but he's always a figure of largesse and the magic of the season. How we envision Santa has changed over the years as he's become rounder and more jolly, yet his spirit endures. See how Santa has changed over time with these photos and drawings from the 1800's and 20th century.