“Taking Christmas”

This post will be the last in what has unintentionally turned into a series of little stories about some of the traditions – long past now – that were unique to the area in which I grew up. Insofar as I know, this one, which we called “taking Christmas,” may be unique to my very large extended family, or to this region. I would be interested to know if others upheld this tradition, perhaps known by another name, or no name at all.

Credit: christmasspiritsshop.com

The term “taking Christmas” simply referred to the round of visits that began Dec. 26 and continued until just after the New Year began. In a convoluted way, perhaps it is analogous to The Twelve Days of Christmas with a secular twist.

The kids were out of school and it was certainly a way to entertain them, as there weren't many other diversions available. I’m sure the women also were ready for a change after all the hustle and bustle of getting ready for Christmas. As for the men, they enjoyed the visits as well and they didn't have to do a darn thing but show up!

Visits were most often among family members, but often also included hospitality with close neighbors as well.

Credit: infomercantile.com

Our extended family was quite large, as both my mother and father were one of eight. Mother’s oldest sisters had children the same age or older than her, and by the time all of them had THEIR children -- well, there were many children around! 

Christmas was perhaps the only time such large numbers were invited into homes for a meal and socializing.

It started on Christmas Day at my grandmother’s house, where there could be as many as 50-75 people congregated under one roof. There would be much talk that day of the upcoming scheduled visits, both day and evening gatherings. The women and children congregated during the day, and husbands were included in the evening events. Are you still with me?

Toni doll just like I received one year at Christmas. You could give her a Toni hair permanent!
Credit: collectdolls.about.com

This was an exciting time for us children, because it gave us the opportunity to take our newly acquired toys for a “show and tell” with our cousins. We would drag along our dolls, games and other treasures that Santa Claus had brought.

Houses would be filled to capacity; the women buzzing around in the kitchens laying out the food; the men sitting around living rooms laughing and talking; the girl children in bedrooms comparing dolls and laying tiny tables for tea parties; the boys in another part of the house racing little trucks and cars that Santa brought; and teenagers in yet another room spinning 45 RPM records and swooning over the latest Rock n' Roll sensation.

It was a common things that boys were dressed in Roy Rogers or Lone Ranger cowboy suits and girls in majorette outfits and twirling their batons.

In the 1950s all little boys seemed to want a cowboy outfit and toy gun from Santa Claus.
Credit: ebay.com

As I recall, no cook arrived empty handed, bringing along pans of chicken and dressing, chicken and dumplings, cooked greens, a cake or pie and a jar or relish or pickle canned during the summer months.

Tables groaned from the weight of all that abundance of food, but there were many people to feed. Rarely was there space to eat around the tables in dining rooms and kitchens and plates would be filled and taken to other rooms, to be balanced precariously on laps while eating.

Men first, children second and women last is my memory of the order in which people filed around tables to fill plates. Often the women would make spaces for themselves around tables once everyone had cleared out.

There was never any shortage of sweets, because back in the 1950s, and certainly for many decades prior to that time, the woman of the family spent days cooking and baking for Christmas. I recall that my mother baked five or six large layer cakes – fresh coconut, fruitcake, jam cake, German chocolate and orange date nut. Pies prepared included chocolate, coconut, pecan, chess and egg custard.

Housewife decorating a cake in the 1950s
Credit: slv.vic.gov.au.

Now I understand why so many cakes and pies were baked, as the eating  occurred often and lasted for many days!

Music was usually a part of these celebrations. Most homes had a piano and many children and some adults would play Christmas carols and the group would sing along. Sometimes a guitar, mandolin or fiddle would be brought and the men would “make music.” That would turn into a “toe-stomping good time!”

It was a time for sharing and having a good time before the reality of winter set in and children returned to school. Memories made on these occasions could keep you warm throughout the long spell about to begin.

So many memories; so many of the ones no longer with us: Daddy, Mommie Howell, Grandmother and Grandaddy Trousdale, Uncle Buster, Aunt Sister, Aunt Jewel, Aunt Myrtle, Uncle Luster, Aunt Marge, Millinea, Uncle James, Uncle Roy, Aunt Ludie, Lela, Madge and Ivy, Wilton and George, Arlon and Delsey, and oh so many others!

And not forgotten are the ones from my generation who left us too soon and before their time: Martha, Yvonne, Tommy Jr., Chesley Jr., Cheryl.

These are memories of times that seem (and were!) so long ago. Soon the 60s would be upon us and the times they were a-changing, to paraphrase Bob Dylan. But I’m glad I was a part of the experience described above, when a good time was had by all in a very simple way.

Did your family -- in the past or now -- have such family gatherings? If so, what are your best memories?