Submitted by Jennifer Thompson
Good Ole Days Column Editor
Loren and Ruth Ahlrichs of Overland Park, Kansas, were very kind in sharing with me some of their Christmas memories and traditions passed down from their families.
Loren is of German descent and grew up in North Central Iowa. He recalls many traditions from his childhood. Throughout the year, the children would collect pennies and store them in paper banks, and on Christmas Eve they would present the pennies to the church as an offering. In return the children were given hard candy, peanuts and an apple for their efforts, and that was a big highlight of the evening. Of course the excitement grew as the annual Christmas play was recited, and every year Loren would say a part in the play. He attributes much of his public speaking abilities that proved useful later in life to these plays, and from the encouragement and influence of his mother.
Christmas Eve was then spent with the family gathered at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Later in the night, after everyone had gone to their own homes, the children would go to bed and then the Christmas tree was set up and decorated, and the children would not see it until Christmas Day. The tree was decorated with paper chains, and strings of cranberries and popcorn. The family then exchanged home made gifts to each member.
Loren remembers that the special food was the unique part of Christmas. He mentioned so many special holiday treats, both German foods prepared by his family, as well as those Scandinavian introduced to him by the family of his late wife, Rebecca. Sugar cookies are a traditionally German, and a popular Norwegian doughy sugar cookie is called "Cringla." The Norwegians also enjoy a cookie called "Crumkake," which is prepared one week in advance. Then there are Rosettes, made by dropping batter in hot oil in the shape of a rose or a star. These are covered in powdered sugar, similar to a funnel cake, and often devoured by the children as quickly as they are produced. "Lefse" is a Norwegian potato pancake traditional to the holiday season, as well as oyster stew. Oysters had to be ordered early, or they could not be had in time for Christmas. Norwegians also prepare a thick fruit soup, often enjoyed with whipped cream on top or ice cream. The Ahlrichs still serve these foods each year during Christmas, and Loren always has assorted nuts such as shelled walnuts and Brazilian walnuts that everyone can crack and enjoy.
Cookies were so popular, Loren said, because they were needed during the season for entertaining. People went visiting more in those days, as they had more time. Friends would drop by after the cows were milked and the chores were done, and cookies would be served with coffee. Ruth has started a new family tradition, a cookie exchange. Each person brings a dozen (or more) of one type of cookie they have baked. Each person leaves with a mixed assortment of cookies sampled from each of the bakers.
Ruth shared an old Dutch tradition; each Christmas Eve the children would set out their shoes. If they had been bad, they would find coal in their shoe, but if they were good they would instead find a nice gift. Also, each family had a nativity scene that would be displayed during the season, and on Christmas Eve candles would be placed in the windows. Ruth has observed some changes over the years. For instance, people used to religiously send cards to everyone they knew. It doesn't seem to be that way so much anymore, and often cards these days are sent via email. Cards were hand written in the past with personal notes, and now often copied letters are included.
Thanks again to the Ahlrichs family, for your special effort and for sharing with me your treasured family memories.
Robert and Georgia Thompson of Kidder, MO shared their childhood Christmas memories with me. As my parents, they had no choice. However, they enjoyed it, as it gave them yet again another opportunity to tell me how spoiled I was as a child in comparison.
Robert came from a large Catholic family, including seven children other than himself. As a family they attended mass on Christmas morning, and as he got older he instead chose to attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve, a tradition I have found enjoyable myself. Often gifts were made as well as purchased, but he reminded me that in those days they were toys such as plastic guitars, never video games or televisions as children often receive now. There were always clothes given as gifts, both purchased or made by Grandma.
My mother, Georgia, also from a large Catholic family (four children aside from herself) routinely attended mass at Christmas. Her family did not have much money, she recalled, and often received a gift basket from the church. She said that it was very exciting to have foods at Christmas that could not be had at other times of the year, such as oranges. Every year her grandmother would always send each child a dollar, and tell them to buy themselves some new underwear. Most gifts were homemade in their family, both clothes and toys. One of her fondest Christmas memories was the year that her father made a wooden sled for the children, from which they had endless hours of fun. She says to this day it is still the best sled she has ever seen, one that had handles that could turn the sled, and smooth runners. My mother has instilled in me one of my most treasured values; holidays, as well as any time that we have, are most treasured because of the family and friends who surround you, not because of the material possessions that we may have. I always love to hear her stories, which she tells with such happiness and love.
Jennifer Thompson, Column Editor
Christmas Memories From Times Past
What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic.
—Unknown
"Remember, peace is not a season, but a way of life. Live it."
--- Unknown
Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.
—Hamilton Wright Mabi
The merry family gatherings— The old, the very young; The strangely lovely way they Harmonize in carols sung. For Christmas is tradition time— Traditions that recall The precious memories down the years, The sameness of them all.
—Helen Lowrie Marshall
Published in U S Legacies Magazine December 2003
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