“Ought it not be a Merry Christmas?
Even with all the sorrow that hangs, and will forever hang, over so many households; even while war still rages; even while there are serious questions yet to be settled – ought it not to be, and is it not, a merry Christmas?”
Harper’s Weekly, December 26, 1863
Although our blessed United States is not experiencing the hardship of an internal conflict of arms, there are many aspects of American life that may bring hardship to numerous families this holiday season. We can, however, look back upon our history to be able to reach a conclusion that,”Ought it not to be, and is it not, a merry Christmas?” Money, gifts, food, and perhaps even dear loved ones are not present this Christmas as they have been during Christmases past, but the center-piece of the holiday is a promise of hope, peace, joy and happiness. Piles of gifts and tables of lavish feasts may come and go, but remembering the birth of Jesus Christ in the midst of all the hustle-and-bustle or chaotic turmoil does bring with it a realization of something simpler, yet all too grand for the human imagination.
It is a common error to assume that Christmases past were much happier and simpler times, but we often fail to remember the hardships that others endured. A glimpse back in time should not be a melancholy misadventure, but instead reassure us that whatever may face us this Christmas, we will make it through, just as so many before us made it through.
Just as the families did during the Civil War, find the courage to put up that Christmas Tree and adorn it with cherished memories and perhaps even make some new ones to hang upon this year’s tree.
“In order to make it look much like Christmas as possible, a small tree was stuck up in front of our tent, decked off with hard tack and pork, in lieu of cakes and oranges, etc”. – Alfred Bellard, 5th New Jersey Infantry
If your loved one is in a distant land, pack them a box of items that will brighten their spirits. The Civil War soldier, receiving a package from home, would get a much needed moral, spiritual and emotional uplifting so desperately needed among the depredations of camp life.
Come together with family and friends and sing some traditional Christmastime hymns such as “Silent Night,” “Oh Come All Ye Faithful,” “Away in the Manger,” or “Deck the Halls.”
“I have written so much that it is now after 9 o’clock and yet I have said nothing of Turner’s and Mary Bell’s party which we gave them last week in lieu of the Santa Claus presents. Mary Bell has been told that Santa Claus has not been able to run the blockade and has gone to war–Yet at this late hour when I went upstairs Thursday night of the party I found that the trusting faith of childhood they had hung their little socks and stockings in case Santa Claus did come. I had given the subject no thought whatever, but invoking Santa Claus aid I was enabled when their little eyes opened to enjoy their pleasure to find cake and money in their socks.” – Ella Gertrude Clanton Thomas of Augusta, Georgia
No matter what else you do to make your Christmas bright, remember to celebrate the very namesake of this holiday season, Jesus Christ. Call upon His name to bring peace, joy and happiness to you and your home this Christmas!
“By the Christmas Hearth”
Bring holly, rich with berries red,
And bring the sacred mistletoe;
Fill high each glass, and let hearts
With kindliest feelings flow;
So sweet it seems at home once more
To sit with those we hold most dear,
And keep absence once again
To keep the Merry Christmas here.
Harper’s Weekly, Christmas, 1865
More On Civil War Christmas
A Civil War Christmas – Joanne Shelby (Link has gone inactive)
Further Reading
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what a touching post. thanks for sharing this. A wonderful glimpse at the spirit which made this generation so great.