As Christmas 2016 approaches, our next journey is to Christmas in the 1950's. To relive Christmas in the 50's, I interviewed a family friend about her childhood memories.
What did a typical Christmas look like for you in the 50's?
Gayle: [We were] country folks. [We] just had a Christmas tree, but we always went to the woods with daddy to find a cedar. Had the lights that bubbled and colored little bulbs. Always tinsel, which I hate now.
What gifts stand out in your memory?
Gayle: One year I got a bride doll, and mama made me a lot of great clothes for her. Of course I thought Santa Claus brought them. We never got gifts any other time so it was so exciting. We could ask Santa for one big thing and 2 small ones (doll, some tights, and maybe a tea set)
What did you call the man in a red suit who brought presents? And did you believe in him?
Gayle: [I called him] Santa Claus, and, oh yes, I believed for many years.
What did a Christmas breakfast consist of?
Gayle: I never ate breakfast, but I'm sure it was mama's usual biscuits, eggs and sausage.
What special family traditions do you remember?
Gayle: We always rode to town to see the city houses all lit up. And we always went early to my daddy's mother to see what Santa had left for him. Santa came to see daddy every year until his death at age 49.
Was religion a part of your Christmas experience? If so, how?
Gayle: Not at home. We always were churched and knew that baby Jesus was born and that we celebrated his birth, but at home it was not religious.
What Christmas songs do you remember from the 50's?
Gayle: [I remember] "Jolly Ole Saint Nick," "Up On The Housetop," "Silent Night."
Do you remember Christmas in the 1950's? If so, comment with your memories!
