In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we often hear nostalgic wishes for the simplicity of Christmases past. It sometimes seems the season has always been a time of stress, hectic shopping, expensive decoration and frantic preparation.
The old folks who grew up in rural Texas know better.
I happened on some powerful reminders of their experiences as I was looking through old newspapers in search of information on my hometown, Fife, 85 miles south of Abilene.
Now almost deserted, Fife in 1910 had more than 500 residents, two general stores, a working gin, post office, two schools and assorted churches.
The spirit of a Texas Christmas in the early 20th century is well captured by letters that Fife children of that era wrote to Santa, letters that were published in pre-Christmas editions of The Brady Standard. As is still true today in many small towns, children would write their local paper with their Christmas wishes.
Their letters are revealing for not only what they say but also for what they don’t say. Unlike today’s letters to Santa, there were no references to brand-name items—the media-driven advertising age had not yet hit. The children’s wishes then were much simpler—often they asked for only one or two items.
The generosity of the children is striking, as they often expressed modest wishes for themselves but also asked Santa to remember children who were less well off.
As I read through the letters, sometimes recognizing names of people I knew only as adults, I feel a wonderful sense of their childhood holiday spirit come to me.
I share a few of these letters, written by Fife children in the 1920s and early 1930s, in the hope that readers might recapture some of the same spirit of generosity, simplicity and fellowship in this holiday season.
Dear Santa:
As Christmas is near at hand we thought we would write and let you know the things which we would like most as presents. W.D. wants a school dinner bucket, a big rubber ball; Nellie Fay wants a doll, sand bucket and ball; Gladys wants a doll and we also want some nuts, apples and oranges.
Your little friends,
W.D., Nellie Fay and Gladys Bradley (1920)
Please bring me a pop gun, a sack of marbles and some candy and nuts.
Your little friend,
Cyril Farmer (1920)
After reading your letter in The Brady Standard I thought it was about time to write to you. I hardly know what to ask you for as you have been so good to me every Xmas. The only thing I select is a pair of bedroom slippers.
Your friend,
Voncile Duderstadt (1920)
I would like to have some chocolate candy and bananas and oranges and apples and peaches.
Your friend,
Lillian Roberts (1921)
Will you please bring my little brother and I a knife and a pair of nice leather gloves. And Santa, if you will, please bring me a nice fountain pen and my little brother a car. I have a little sister 3 years old. Bring her a doll that will say mamma and a little doll bed and lots of nuts and candy.
Love to Santa,
Charles and Floyd Tedder (1923)
Will you please bring me a scooter-scoot, a horn, a football, a blackboard and a box of handkerchiefs for Christmas and if you have anything else for me send it to some other little boy who has no parents. I try to be a good boy.
Your loving friend,
A. M. Finlay, Jr. (1924)
We have tried to be good little children. Please bring me a velocipede, a tinker toy set, some fire crackers, a ball and some caps for my gun you brought me last Christmas. Please bring Little Sister a kiddie car, a doll that says “Mamma,” and a doll bed. Please bring us lots of fruit, nuts and candy. Bye-bye, Santa.
From
John Gordon and Elizabeth Maurine Tedder (1924)
I will tell you what I want. I want an embroidery set, set of dishes and a doll. I won’t ask for too much, as I’m afraid you can’t get around to all the children.
Your friend,
Una Ranne (1925)
I will write you a little letter and tell you of a few things I would like to have. I would like to have a new doll, as my old one has lost a leg, and I want a doll bed. I want a doll that can walk and talk, and I would like to have some little dresses, also.
Dear Santa, don’t forget my little brothers, J.D. and Sid, they want a coaster wagon.
Lovingly,
Charlotte Painter (1925)
I thought I would write while I have time. I want a watch and a pistol. I want a toy flute and a toy truck and a pencil sharpener. Thank you.
From your friend,
Tom Bradley, Jr. (1927)
I’ve been the very best little boy lately, and if you don’t hurry and come, I don’t know if I can stay good much longer. I just want a few things this year, as Daddy says Santa is as poor as he is. I’d like a tractor, a car, a ball, a bat, gloves, and a lot of fruit and candy and nuts.
From
Leeman Roberts (1930)
I sent a letter to The Brady Standard. I want you to know I am going to write to The Brady Standard every Christmas. I want you to bring me a cap and a sweater for my doll and a big ball. There are many other little boys and girls that want Christmas presents. So I will go now.
Yours truly,
Golda Eileen Utsey (1930)
I have been a good little boy. Will you please bring me a velocipede, a flashlight, some apples and candy. Bring Grandpa a pair of socks and I’ll put some corn at the gate for your reindeer.
Your friend,
Robert Pearce (1930)
