CHRISTMAS ON THE AMERICAN FRONTIER

From the very beginning of the discovery of America, the settlement was always westerly. By the mid-1800's, frontier America was everything west of the Mississippi. Rapid Western immigration was spurred by the California Gold Rush and the Mormon Trek. Cowboys, miners, farmers, ranchers, soldiers and merchants freely mixed in the new frontier settlements. Christmas culture and traditions were brought West by each unique group of immigrants and settlers. And, as was the case throughout America, Christmas was a hodge podge of mostly European Christmas traditions adapted to the frontier setting.

At frontier Christmas time, the Christmas celebration was marked by scarcity among many and prosperity among the few. By this time, Christmas in America, including the frontier, had evolved from primarily a religious celebration to a combined religious/secular celebration not unlike the Christmas celebrations of today. The German immigrants brought their tannenbaum tradition, the English brought their Christmas pudding, and almost everyone wanted to make a very special day for the children with gifts of toys and special treats. The adults looked forward to Christmas celebrations full of dining, dancing and socializing. Christmas on the frontier, no matter how humble, was the most anticipated holiday of the year.

It is easy to picture in one's mind a lone cowboy on horseback trudging through knee-deep snow on a cold stormy evening with an ax and a freshly cut Christmas tree swung over his saddle or being pulled behind his horse on a rustic tripod sled. In the distance, the cowboy can see the dim glow of firelight emanating from the sole window of an isolated log cabin. Inside, his children have hung their stockings by the fireplace and are anxiously awaiting his arrival. His wife is preparing the best spread of food and treats that their circumstances permit. After the Christmas tree is decorated with handmade ornaments, the family enjoys reading the Christmas story from the family Bible and singing their favorite carols. As with every generation, pioneer children fall asleep with anticipation of St. Nick's arrival and the gifts, no matter how meager, that they will find on Christmas morning. Sometimes, all St. Nick brought was a piece of fruit, cookies made from molasses or sugar candy or handmade toys. Never mind, these were special treats and Christmas was a magical time even with the hardships of the Western frontier.

By the last half of the 19^th Century, many of the Christmas traditions which are apart of modern Christmas in America were well established, even in the frontier settlements. Sleigh rides, caroling, dances, parties, Santa Claus, decorated Christmas trees, Christmas poems, Christmas plays and gift giving were well incorporated into the Christmas celebrations of the Western frontier.