Gretchen Beilfuss Witt
Library Notes
Christmas Expectations

In late October, the Rowan Public Library Foundation and their guests were charmed with a ‘literary feast’ which included a presentation from the very entertaining speaker Dr. Elliot Engel. At the end of the evening, Engel spoke on behalf of the charity he often represents, that of the Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital founded by Charles Dickens in 1852 as the first of such hospitals. He introduced to us a delightful Christmas treasury which begins with a version of Dickens’ beloved classic “The Christmas Carol” designed to read aloud. “A Christmas Carol Keepsake” also contains recipes, games and crafts to create your very own Victorian Christmas celebration. The recipes include Dickens very own Christmas punch and sweets with such names as Curates and Maids of Honour. Directions for a kissing ball and how to play ‘Forfeits’, an early version of truth or dare in riddles, complete this amusing collection.

“Christmas Observed” represents another type of treasury; a collection of short stories, poems, diary entries and letters relating to the observance of the Christmas season. It includes a most amusing letter from Leacock refusing an invitation from a young lady to attend a party for the young in the year 1910. He concludes “I do not consider a five-cent pen-wiper from the top branch of a Xmas tree any adequate compensation for the evening you propose.” Many no doubt often feel the same when asked to attend some holiday gathering. In the short story “Vera’s First Christmas Adventure” the foibles of obtaining just the right gift are examined. The poignant verse of Anthony Ross in “Christ Ran Stumbling” reminds us all of not to forget the unfortunate in this season. The anthology also includes the marvelous story of the impromptu peace between British and German on Christmas Eve during the Great War.

The final book selection is Stephen Nissenbaum’s “The Battle for Christmas” a study of the social and cultural history of Christmas, particularly as it is transformed into the present day American holiday. He outlines some of the more outrageous misbehavior of the British which led to the early Puritan ban against the holiday in the American colonies. However, as the turn of the nineteenth century approached, other denominations began to reclaim Christmas, urging church services be held on December 25. To combat the general misrule that continued to be prevalent, Nissenbaum claims the appearance of St. Nicholas brought a little domestic peace to the season. The appearance of Santa Claus also began to shape the focus of Christmas merriment towards children and into the home. Nissenbaum shares the experiences of Clement Moore’s friend Pintard and Moore’s own creation of the poem “The Night before Christmas.” Other traditions - gift giving, Christmas trees and Christmas charity - are explained in succeeding chapters. An enthralling study of the formation of our most cherished holiday.

Whatever your forte – history, literature or entertainment – check out these Christmas treasuries.