Figure 1.-- Photographic Christmas cards first appeared we think in the 1930s, but became a common tradition after World War II in the 1940s. This one from the Keefer family looks like it was taken in the 1940s.

Christmas celebrations in America have varied over time. There were at substantial regional differences in colonial America. The northern colonies were influenced by the Puritans who actually discouraged Christmas celebrations and other non-conforming Protestant sects. The southern colonies were more staunchly Anglican. The back country was less orgaized, but the Scotts-Irish were a major influence. Christmas celebrations were significantly affected in Britain by Queen Victoria's family, especially Prince Albert. There were several Victorian Christmas traditions, but the central element was Christmas a a family event centered on the children. Many American Christmast traditions were acquired from Britain at this time. Increased immigration during the mid- and late-19th century from Catholic countries was also a factor, but they seemed to have adopted American-style Christmas rather than significantly changeing it. Of course there have been many American refinments added over time. Santa's image is a little different and the reindeer, especially the more recent addition of Rudolf, are an American innovation. And it is in America during the 20th century that Christmas became such a commercial event. One impact here was secular Christmas icons, bot only Rudolf, but Frosty, and eventually the Grinch. It was in America that the "Nutcracker" emerged as an important Christmas tradition. And economic prosperity over time transformed how Christmas was celebrated. While Christmas in the 20th century became more commercial and secular, the heart of the Victorian tradotion remained--Christmas as a central family-oriented event.

The 17th Century

Christmas celebrations in America have varied over time. There were at substantial regional differences in colonial America. The northern colonies were influenced by the Puritans who actually discouraged Christmas celebrations and other non-conforming Protestant sects.

The 18th Century

The southern colonies were more staunchly Anglican. The back country was less orgaized, but the Scotts-Irish were a major influence.

The 19th Century

Christmas celebrations were significantly affected in Britain by Queen Victoria's family, especially Prince Albert. There were several Victorian Christmas traditions, but the central element was Christmas a a family event centered on the children. Many American Christmast traditions were acquired from Britain at this time. Increased immigration during the mid- and late-19th century from Catholic countries was also a factor, but they seemed to have adopted American-style Christmas rather than significantly changeing it. Of course there have been many American refinments added over time. Santa's image is a little different and the reindeer, especially the more recent addition of Rudolf, are an American innovation.

The 20th Century

Many different Chritmas traditions were introduced into america by the many European immigrants that entered America during the late-19th century, many of whom were Catholic. But the more powerful dynamic was the degree to whivh they adopted the developing American Christmas traditions. It is in America during the 20th century that Christmas became such a commercial event. That became set in stone when the Government debated the date for Thanksgiving in terms of shopping days before Christmas as a Depression fighting measure. One impact here was the appearance of secular Christmas icons, not only Rudolf, but Frosty, and eventually the Grinch. It was in America that the "Nutcracker" emerged as an important Christmas tradition. And economic prosperity over time transformed how Christmas was celebrated. While Christmas in the 20th century became more commercial and secular, the heart of the Victorian tradition remained--Christmas as a central family-oriented event. After World War II a range of changes occurred. Family photographs of the kids became popular Chrisdtmas cards. We also begin to see artifical Christmas trees becoming increasingly important, especially by the 1960s. Virtually every American family celebrated Christmas in some way because the population was largely Christian, at least culturally Christian. Even Jewish families were at least influenced and Hanaka bushes appeared. This begab to change as a result of unfortmation reforms (1965). After this we begin to see immigratyion from non-Christian countries. And groups like the ACKU began attavking Christmas. By the 1990s we begin to see arguments over Christmas imagery in the public square. Shools began to be asked to change Christmas parties uinto holiday parties.

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Created: 8:07 AM 2/28/2008
Last updated: 2:37 AM 12/15/2010