From alternative Fourth of July plans to innovative uses for your Thanksgiving leftovers, Second Glance History has made a habit of looking backwards for holiday inspiration. As this very strange year comes to an end—not a moment too soon—my gift to you is suggestions for celebrating Christmas, too. Whether you want to try out some new traditions or just reassure yourself that your holidays could be so much weirder, you’re welcome.
(Don’t) get your mail carrier drunk.
A request has been issued by the Post Master General as follows:
The Post Master General desires to call attention to the fact that the least desirable manner in which appreciation may be shown of the labours of postmen during the Christmas season is to offer them drink whilst in the discharge of their official duties, it is calculated to bring trouble and disgrace, the Post Master earnestly hopes therefore the public will refrain from putting such temptation in their way.
All the sudden, I’ve never wanted to have a drink with my mail carrier more. My holiday shopping list just got a little longer.
Chase a hare.
In a letter to his parents, a British soldier fighting in the First World War wrote about Christmas 1914 in the trenches:
The most extraordinary sight I think [ever] happened took place just round our lines. Our chaps and the Germans were singing and shouting to one another last night, and this morning firing ceased, and the next thing we saw was men from both sides leaving their trenches and meeting half way, all unarmed, and shaking hands and exchanging cigarettes, just as if they had been [pals] for years.
One very amusing incident happened. A hare suddenly appeared and men of both armies chased it, which caused roars of laughter from all. But the hare laughed the [heartiest], for he got away. Truly this was a marvellous sight, and one of many I shall never forget. Our officers talked with theirs, and one of ours had a few snapshots with his camera.
It is hard lines to think that after this we shall be doing our best to knock one another’s heads in. The meeting [lasted] about two hours, and then each side returned to their trenches, but no shots have been fired since. There seems to be a desire to spend today as quietly as possible. But “business as usual” will be the order as soon as anything happens that should not.
At least the soldiers got their exercise. If you’re looking to treat your ears this holiday season, there’s plenty more to discover about that Christmas Truce in a recent episode of the fantastic Oh! What a Lovely Podcast.
Next time you read A Christmas Carol, remember that these are the holiday “festivities” in the workhouses Ebenezer Scrooge so blithely praises:
The [workhouse] inmates, numbering 135 had their usual treat on Thursday. Service was held in the beautiful little chapel connected with the house. The Chaplain in his sermon praised the congregation for their singing.
“Many of you,” said the reverend gentleman, “from your great age and infirmities can hardly expect to spend another such day on earth.”. . . The service ended and will not soon be forgotten by those who attended it.
The atmosphere was a little merrier across the Atlantic Ocean, at least in Richmond, Virginia in 1900. There was a definite theme among responses to a newspaper’s survey of Christmas plans.
W. S. Doves—Will stay at home and roughly estimate the profits I made in the land booms in Virginia a few years ago, and enjoy the good things sent my wife by country cousins.
James H. Shepherd—Go to church; at home in the afternoon, and thank God this is the last term that [U.S. President William] McKinley will serve the good people.
Whether you spend the holidays drinking copious amounts of eggnog, hunting/admiring animals of any kind, hiding under your bed or something in between, best wishes for a happy and healthy—emphasis on the latter—New Year!
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Disclaimer: The modern era is far from the first to grapple with rampant “fake news.” As I am neither a historian nor journalist, I make no claims about the accuracy or lack thereof of the above sources. I assert only that they make for a good story.
Thank you……….wishing current President go to thunder as quickly and with as little damage as possible. Meanwhile, bringing a bottle to the post office staff!
Thank you for putting a big smile on my face, and best wishes for a lovely, safe holiday!
Elyse
History approves of those holiday plans! Here’s hoping for a less “historic” 2021. Thank you for putting an equally big smile on my face! Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and your loved ones!
Welcome to Second Glance History! This blog seeks to uncover the people and the stories forgotten by history and give them another read through a modern lens. Join me every week as we examine the differences that divide and the common threads that connect the then to the now.
Elyse,
Thank you……….wishing current President go to thunder as quickly and with as little damage as possible. Meanwhile, bringing a bottle to the post office staff!
Thank you for putting a big smile on my face, and best wishes for a lovely, safe holiday!
History approves of those holiday plans! Here’s hoping for a less “historic” 2021. Thank you for putting an equally big smile on my face! Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and your loved ones!