When Christmas draws near I begin to think back to a former time. I see a plain clapboard house of upright boards with strips over the cracks, a rock fireplace and roof of oak shingles from wood sawed in the forest by Grandpa Dock Dickerson. Neal, my dad, and Grandpa with some help from others built the house by a spring rising under tall poplar trees. Heat came from the fireplace and wood burning kitchen stove. At this time there was no electricity and kerosene lamps provided light. At some point before electricity arrived a gas lamp with the spider web looking wicks was bought, which gave a brighter light in the evenings.
A couple of weeks before Christmas Dad and us older boys – a total of five boys and one girl in time – went to the edge of the surrounding forest to find a suitable young cedar or spruce tree. One year we used a holly tree covered with natural berries. Because of the fire hazard before electricity came we could not affix real candles. I recall one candle placed on the tip of the tree, which was lit only when evening came and put out at bedtime.
At home we helped Mother, Durell, put the tree up and decorate it. Mother used store bought icicles and the rope like decorations one places around the tree. After electricity came to the high valley we began to use electric bulbs too. We also picked sprigs of red berries off holly trees and vines that ran our fence that had white cotton like pods.
Mother would begin cooking pies and cakes days before Christmas. She had a time keeping us kids from trying to dab a finger in the bowl of icing. As the oldest child I was expected to help more and I gladly washed dishes and cleaned house just to be rewarded with chances to sample the flavors of cakes and pies. We kids cracked black walnuts, and ate some, by the fireplace until Mother said she had enough for her walnut cakes.
We knew our presents of toys would be few, usually one and perhaps two presents. Being boys we liked cap pistols modeled after the guns of Roy Rogers or the Lone Ranger. When considered old enough to take care we would get a pellet gun, a Daisy air rifle for instance. Mother, to provide what we really needed, spent a half year spinning yarn from wool and knitting us mittens, caps and, at least once, a sweater. Of course, we knew what she was doing as she sat knitting for hours and days by the window or at the fireplace.
I recall making homemade ice cream from milk, snow, sugar and cream. A hand crank ice cream maker was finally bought and used, which we helped crank if we wanted any ice cream. Most things associated with Christmas required more time and effort to prepare and the few store bought items usually consisted of shoes or clothes. Mother knitted wool socks for us and even sweaters. Women in that day had to work long hours either standing or sitting. Mother loved reading books but had little time to enjoy them until later in life.
The good old days were sometimes not so good but as I grew older I became more thankful I had the spiritual side of Christmas taught by both parents and church. We were often reminded Christmas centered on the living gift, Jesus Christ. The story of his birth and purpose for coming was to offer himself without sin as a perfect sacrifice a loving God would accept in order to save us from sin. While much wrong is in the world we are assured that by faith in Christ we shall reign with him in the world now being prepared for those who love and trust Him.
Happy Birthday, Jesus, and Merry Christmas to you all!
