A Colonial Christmas: An Illegal Christmas

Timmy and his grandfather had stayed at home in the log cabin, while the rest of the family attended the annual Christmas Eve candlelight and prayer service in the community hall of the colony. Ten-year old Timmy had been feverish earlier, but was starting to feel better and beginning to get excited about their Christmas Day celebrations.

"Grandfather, tell me another story about Christmas in the early colonies, like your grandfather told you, so many years ago." Timmy loved to listen to his grandfather's stories about early colonialism, as he sat quietly at his feet, in front of the glowing embers in the warm fireplace. Occasional puffs of smoke rose from his grandfather's corncob pipe.

"Timmy, did you know that Christmas was once considered to be illegal?"

"Does that mean there was no Christmas?"

Timmy was stunned. 

"How could that possibly be?"

"There have always been Christmas celebrations to acknowledge the birth of Baby Jesus ever since He was born, but at that particular time, the new immigrants who had settled in colonies could only celebrate Christmas in their hearts. They were not allowed to have any open Christmas celebrations with others."

Timmy's grandfather got up, used a heavy, iron poker to stir the dying ashes and added several, new logs to the fire. He remained silent for a long time.

"My grandfather told me that in Jamestown in the year 1607, the very first session of Congress was held on Christmas Day. It was not regarded as a holiday," he continued.

"You mean that they did not have a wild turkey with all of the trimmings, wild yam and pumpkin pie for Christmas dinner, like we have now?"

"I suspect that the members of Congress might have had rum grog or eggnog, as we know it now, but even my grandfather was uncertain about that."

Timmy gazed at their homemade Christmas decorations.

"I don't think anyone was allowed to have Christmas decorations then, either."

"What about Christmas carols and candlelight services?"

"Illegal means that something is against the law."

"And they could be punished?"

"Exactly."

Timmy's grandfather opened the door to check on the weather.

"It is snowing!" Timmy said excitedly.

"That was one thing that no one control," said his grandfather, with a smile. "A fresh snowfall was always a good sign on Christmas Eve, even if no one was allowed to celebrate it openly. It was like a cleansing of the earth, even when I was young." 

He paused for a moment..

"The whole family will be here shortly. Are you certain you feel up to celebrating tonight? Maybe you should hop back into bed!"

"Grandfather, the table is set so beautifully and everything is ready, so please may I stay up and celebrate with everyone when they come back?"

"Do you think you are old enough for some grog?" his grandfather replied, with a mischievous grin.

"Do you, grandfather?"

"I was about your age when my grandfather gave me my first taste of grog. My grandmother scolded him something fierce and told me that it was illegal," he replied, handing Timmy his cup of eggnog. "Take just one sip."