Figure 1.-- Here we see thrrechildren in teir pajamas prodly show off their prsents in the early 1950s. Notice the sharop gender differentiation. |
|
The center of American family Chitmas celebrations is mormally the Christmass tree. Families differ substantial on how they use the Christmas tree in their holiday celebrations. Most families make getting ad decorating the Christmas tree a family activity. Younger children delight in decorating the tree. Some families have special ornaments. The lights have to be put on first and this is usually dad's province. The lights at first were candles, but they had to be very carefully used least the house burns sown. After World War I, electric Christmas tree lights began to be a major item. Putting on the lights is more complicated than it seems. Some dads carefully put away the lights wen the Christmas tree is taken down. Most dads are, however, more likely to just jam them in a large box. (Outdoor lights are a whole other topic.) This means that they have to be untangled--easier saud than done. Other families only set up the Christmas tree on Christmas Even after the children are put go bed. This was more common than is now the case. The presents are put under the tree, but younger children find this a terrible temptation and there is the little problemm of Santa. So gifts are often hidden. The family then opens their gifts together when the children wake up on Christmas Day. This is almost required when there are younger children as they expect Santa to bring the gifts on his sleight Christmas Eve after they go to sleep. Then mom and dad have to be prepared Christmas moning when the little ones begin to wake up and head for the Christmas tree in their jamies. Then a little mahem could take place. Some families open gifts one at a time. Other parents let the kids tear into the gifts. Here the size of the family, age of the children, and parenting styles affected the approach. Countless family snapshots have been taken on Christmas day with the beaming kiddies showing off their loot. Almost always the photographs are taken after the presents are opened.
Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Web holiday pages:
[Return to the Msain American Christmas tree page]
[Return to the Main American Christmas page]
[New Years]
[Valetines]
[St. Patrick's Day]
[Easter]
[Fourth of July]
[Haloween]
[Thanksgiving]
[Christmas]
Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Web Site:
[Introduction]
[Activities]
[Biographies]
[Chronology]
[Clothing styles]
[Countries]
[Topics]
[Bibliographies]
[Contributions]
[FAQs]
[Glossaries]
[Images]
[Links]
[Registration]
[Tools]
[Boys' Clothing Home]