Texas Tidbits: Old Folks Remember Christmases of Their Youth

We did a post similar in theme a few days ago to what you'll read about today, but this one has a more personal touch to it. The other day, we learned about some of the stuff the people of the early 20th Century mail ordered to give at Christmas time. Armadillo shell baskets and deer hoof thermometers were all the rage back then. Today, we are going to be reminded of what Christmas was like at the homes of people who were children about the same time our Grandparents were kids. If you think Christmas has changed since you and I were kids, sit back and the let the stories from those young people of yesteryear paint a vision of what this Holy Day was like to them so very long ago.

• Zulieka O’Daniel was born in 1911 and grew up on a farm southwest of Hart, Texas. She recalls the usual treats during the holidays and one very special Christmas. Here is her story.
• Reba Guess and Elora Riddle were born in Alabama. They were two of the eleven children. The family moved to a farm west of Kress, Texas in 1915. Their memories reflect some of the changes the family experienced. Reba tells about the family’s celebration in Alabama.Their recollections can be found here. 
• Cindy Kennedy lived on a farm near Wildorado when she was a little girl. There were four girls in the family. There were no brothers, but an uncle lived with them most of the time the girls were growing up. Uncle Roy was a part of the family. Cindy’s family went through some tough times financially. Cindy remembers one fairly bleak Christmas. Mrs. Kennedy recalls the Christmases of her youth.
• Mill Boyd moved to Dumas in about1920 when she was in the third grade. A community celebration was held each year at the schoolhouse. She shares her memories with us.

What a pleasure to hear these memories from 100 years ago from these wonderful people. They serve as an inspiration to us all for appreciating the humble Christmases of their childhoods. The next time one of your kids or grandkids complain about how "little they have", pull up this post and show them exactly "how much they have." A little dose of humility is a life lesson that will serve them well and show them Christmas is not all about video games, computers and cell phones. Christmas is much more than that. It is about the birth of a child 2000 years ago, who grew up to give his life for us, so that we may live with Him for eternity when we depart this Earthly realm. May God bless you all.