No place was lonelier for settlers than the frontier. Having left family and friends back East, a lot felt cutoff from the world. The wind howled, temperatures were freezing, and they were hard put just to stay alive. The days were long and filled with hard work. There was little enjoyment to be had.
Christmas was the worst time for depression to set in. In addition to missing their loved ones, there were few trees over a lot of the high plains so they had to make do with whatever they could find. Some mothers, desperate for Christmas cheer, collected a tumbleweed (which were very plentiful throughout the central plains) and decorated it in bright colors. Candles were not allowed near due to the combustible nature of the dry bush.
Others chopped down other trees like scrub oak, juniper, or blackjack and used those. These settlers were very resourceful. To make it appear it had snowed on it, they wrapped the limbs and twigs with cotton. Other decorations were popcorn and cranberries they strung on twine and strings of paper hearts.
The children could also use the foil that separated layers of cigars and make icicles to hang on the tree. That is if their fathers smoked cigars and they could persuade him to save them. I’m sure there were many other things they made decorations out of. Possibilities were endless, including bird nests, colorful ribbon and empty spools of thread strung together. The first ornaments were hand-blown and didn’t come along until the late 1800s and early 1900. And electric lights appeared after the turn of the century.
School age children usually had a Christmas program of some kind, and they got a chance to sing or perform in a play. Those were fun occasions for kids and parents alike.
Food was an important part of the Christmas celebration and sugar was saved for months so there would be enough for the cakes and pies. Oranges were a real treat and kids only got one at the holiday. Fathers usually went hunting for a turkey, a duck, or whatever game they ran across.
Gifts were handmade unless the family was very wealthy. Fathers carved toys, mothers made dolls and knitted scarves, hats, and gloves. Everything was simple with the emphasis on the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Personally, I wish we could go back to these days without all the commercialization.
Tell me about a Christmas of yours that stands out and what made it really special.
Mine was the year my dad suffered third degree burns over much of his body in an explosion at his job on a construction site. I think I was probably seven or eight. He was in the hospital for months and we didn’t know when he’d get out. Back then, kids weren’t allowed beyond the waiting room so Jan and I couldn’t see him. My mom usually sat with him at night and our older sister came and stayed with us while she was gone, so our door would be locked. I was so afraid that Santa couldn’t get in and we wouldn’t get any presents. My older sister assured me he could come through the keyhole and not to worry. The next morning, sure enough, we had a few gifts even though we had no tree. And Mama had brought Daddy home from the hospital. That was the best Christmas I can remember because we were all together again and everything seemed right in my sheltered little world.
Also, I have a new book up for preorder! SUMMER’S HEART #2 The McIntyres. Release date 1/12/2026. AMAZON
In a storm of secrets, even love can freeze—or fight its way through the cold.
A mysterious woman, a newborn baby, and a claim that shatters Summer McIntyre’s secure world. As a deadly Texas blizzard seals the town in ice, Summer reels from betrayal—only to learn her long-lost little brother is alive and trapped with a madwoman in the treacherous hills. Every trail is buried under snow, every rescue impossible, and Summer must face the storm inside her heart as well as the one raging outside. Can love survive when trust is broken and time is running out?
Wishing you all a joyous Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or whatever you say!
Linda
My middle was born a few days before Christmas–he was overdue. It was a wonderful Christmas.
Denise, what a blessing to bring a new child into the world during the Christmas season! I can only imagine your joy. My son was born on Dec. 4th so that was sort of the same, but not quite. Have a blessed holiday season.
We have a few birthdays in December so in addition to celebrating Christmas we have a few parties leading up to Christmas day so its just non stop fun all month long
December birthdays are always special, Laura. Such joy they bring us. Nothing wrong with non-stop fun. Make all the happy memories you can. Wishing you the best celebrations ever.
My grandfather and one of my uncles came to visit for Christmas. My uncle was on leave from the Navy. I got sick just before the holiday. I remember my grandfather bundling me up and taking me to look at Christmas lights.
What a great memory, Ann. So sweet. For some reason, kids always get sick around Christmas. One of mine always collected a bug and missed out on Christmas fun. Wishing you so much joy and happiness.
Not too dramatic but the year my sister brought her fiance from Kentucky to our home in northern Indiana. We’re at the dining room table Christmas Eve and my mom is being the truly gracious hostess turns to my soon to be brother in law and says rather seriously, “So Steve , do you think that Kentucky is as wide as Indiana is long?”
My sister and I immediately start giggling and snickering. Mom looks at us and says “What?”
Seriously, did you hear yourself? Is Indiana as long as Kentucky is wide?
“I was making dinner conversation and trying to make him more comfortable!”
Steve star Thevmarruage was a great one.ts to laugh and we all joined in as the atmosphere became much ore relaxed.
How funny, Kate! I’m sure your mom didn’t thing so at the time though. I’m glad it all worked out and Steve became a welcome addition to your family. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Good morning Linda! Merry Christmas! I think what stands out is the day it snowed in Florida! I kids were school age and we woke up to snow on the ground! Oh did they have fun! We missed driving to my parent’s house that year for Christmas. My kids weren’t too disappointed because they enjoyed the snow while it lasted!
Can’t wait for this book to be released! I’ve been looking for it! Best wishes to you during the Holidays Linda!
Good morning, Tracy! It’s always a joy to see your name. Yep, that snow memory really stands out and is unbelievable for Florida. I lived in Eastern New Mexico when I was a kid and we had many snowy Christmases that always brought fun. I think all kids like to play in the snow. We will not get snow here in West Texas. The projected temperature is supposed to be in the 70s. This has been a very strange winter.
Tracy, I’m excited for Summer’s Heart to release too. I hope you’ll find much enjoyment from the story. I could easily have made it a Christmas book but I didn’t think it would be ready in time. This one is set in January of 1882. North Texas saw a lot of horrible blizzards back then that decimated herds of cattle. Wishing you a very joyous and blessed Christmas!
What a memory Linda! One Christmas memory that stands out is when we were altogether as siblings and we took our mom on a horse drawn sleigh through the woods and fields! It was -10 but we went anyway. We had to stop often for the horses to rest. The snow twinkled with frost. When we celebrated Christmas, we all walked down to the lake and made snow angels. Then came home for popcorn. That was the last Christmas I celebrated with my twin brother. He had brought his family home for Christmas. Memories – I’ve learned how important it is to make them. My mom soon moved to assisted living due to Alzheimer’s disease. For 15 years, I would drive her around the neighborhood for her to see the Christmas lights. I’m so glad I made memories now that fill my heart with joy.
Merry Christmas Linda! You are one special lady! Can’t wait to read book two of the McIntyre series!
Dearest Kathy, memories are so important, especially the happy ones. I can only imagine how wonderful that was to have a sleigh ride through the snow-filled woods. It really sparkles. I’m glad Kerry was there to celebrate with you. My mom loved the snow as well. She found joy wherever she was. How I miss her but I cling to the memories of the times we shared. Oh, the laughter. I can still hear her laughing. One day Kathy, you and I will be reunited with them. Hallelujah!
Merry Christmas to you and Ron! I think you’ll like the new book. Love you dearly.
Merry Christmas!! Each one is special for different reasons. the Christmas with my first grandson is special because a new generation has begun with all new memories.
Debra, I agree. Each Christmas does bring new reasons to celebrate, but a first grandson is special. I pray this season brings another joyous event that lingers in your mind. Merry Christmas!
One Christmas that stands out to me was the year I received my own set of car keys to my parents’ car. I was the only one of the four of us girls to ever be given my own set to their car! I was using their car four days a week to go to college, so instead of asking for the keys every day, I was given my own set. Though, from that time on, I always had my own set of keys to their cars. Another Christmas that stands out was when I was probably about 3, and Mom forgot to wrap my chatter phone. I found it in her closet. She had to do a LOT of talking to get me to understand it really was my gift. I LOVED that thing, though!!
Trudy, receiving your parents trust was really special and carried a weight of responsibility. That means a lot to a kid. Your memory of that chatter phone brings back a memory of my own. Mom used to always hide their gifts in her closet as well. When she’d go out, I’d sneak in there and look. Sometimes, they’d be wrapped and I got very good at untaping without tearing the paper and retaping them. She never caught me and I don’t think she ever knew but a ton of guilt would come at Christmas when I’d have to act surprised. Curiosity really killed me to see what she’d bought though. Make more memories this Christmas, Trudy! They’ll get us through the bad times.
In December 2016, my divorce was finalized, and I became a single mother with two girls and no job. I had been a stay at home mom until my husband left me for another woman. I wasn’t getting any child support and had no idea how I was going to make ends meet. I had applied for a job but I knew it would be January at the earliest before I would be able to start working and bringing in some money. My savings were quickly running out and I knew I wouldn’t be able to buy my kids any presents. I got a phone call from my oldest daughter’s best friend’s mom, asking if I could come over and bring my daughters. We walked in to their living room piled high with gifts! They not only bought things for both girls, they had presents for me as well. I still cry happy tears when I remember their generosity, and we are all still best friends.
Kim, I totally understand how you embrace that memory. It’s very difficult being a single mom. I was there once myself with three young kids at Christmas. No money, no job. Alone. Not knowing what to do. I went to a church that had collected gifts from their congregation and that provided for us. God always knows what we need. Merry Christmas to you and your family! Make some new lasting memories.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Year, Linda. God bless you.
Thank you, Debra! Merry Christmas to you too. I hope you receive that quilt you won soon and can wrap it around you. Just imagine all of us here hugging you. 🙂
The book sounds amazing! I remember a Christmas where my dad had been out of work since before Thanksgiving. My mom was a stay at home mother at the time so the only money we had coming in at all was the babysitting money that my sisters and I earned. All our gifts were handmade that year, doll clothes for the younger girls and scarves and hats for the older ones. My dad got a call on Christmas Eve asking if he could work that night and he agreed if they would pay him in cash. After work, he went by a little all-night convenience store and got a few cheap toys for the little ones and each of us got two $1 bills pinned to the tree. One of the best Christmases ever!
A real Christmas miracle, Rhonda! 🙂 God knew and provided. I can look back and see how He made a difference in my life and all the times I felt truly alone, I wasn’t. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
A very memorable Christmas was my second year of Bible College in the Adirondack Mountains. I was very homesick. My parents couldn’t afford to bring my brother, sister and I home so they mailed our gifts to us. Then I found out a cousin and his wife that was also at the College was going as fast as NE to their families for Christmas and would let me ride with them as fast as Hastings, NE. Then I was able to get a bus ticket from Grand Island to Cheyenne, WY where my Uncle and Aunt picked me up. My aunt took me to our family farm where I was able to surprise my parents and youngest sister. I remember my dad crying when he saw me standing there.
Wow, that’s a great memory, Barbara. We always long for home on Christmas. We have to be with the ones who love us. Your journey involved a lot of people and it worked. May you have another memorable Christmas this year.
Merry Christmas, Linda! My best Christmas memories are when Mom read her favorite childhood Christmas story aloud to us–Manny & Co. a book by Charles Sylvester that is out of print now. I have a copy that my sister found online for me and I read it every Christmas and bask in memories of Mom reading it. She did all the voices because she was an actress at heart… I miss her voice.
Nan, what a wonderful memory! These special moments are what we cling to when we long for a hug or to go home. 🙂 Bless you for sharing that. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Nan. I’m still so happy you became a Filly on P&P.
One of my favorite Christmas memories was when I woke up that morning and it was probably around 6 or 7 AM. The tree was beautifully lit with icicles And ornaments decorating the tree that myself or my brother had made when we were younger. My brother had gotten me the gift of a soda can. Now, this just wasn’t any soda can but a soda can of Crystal Pepsi. I had seen it on the shelves, but had never grabbed it.Because my mom didn’t like me drinking soda.But it was in the refrigerator with a sticky note that said: Drink me in a clear Glass. I think I was about 12, but I loved that Christmas because the gift was different and unique from my brother. How many times can a person say that they received a Christmas present of a soda With their name on it?
Crystal, that’s pretty special. Your brother must’ve really loved you. And it’s even more special because your mother forbid you to have it. Ha! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
My favorite memories were waiting by the window and watching for my grandparents to arrive… It always gave me the best feeling to see them drive up to the house at Christmas time!
Merry Christmas!!!
Colleen, grandparents are really special and can create some great memories. I never knew any of my grandparents and it makes me sad. I’m sure your grandparents spoiled you and most grandmas are very good bakers. Merry Christmas, dear friend.
Dear Linda – Always so nice to read your posts. One of my most memorable Christmases was the year we moved to Homestead AFB, FL courtesy of the US Air Force, long time ago. 3 children under 6, moved from the Midwest and all that cold and snow to 80 degrees in December due to my husband’s new assignment. Money was tight – we literally arrived in FL with under a dollar. My sister generously loaned us a little money which I had to stretch. We made ornaments, decorations and gifts (and I am so NOT crafty), sang carols, and just had a wonderful time making do and being together. We still hang those ornaments on our tree each year.
I love your stories about you and Jan, reminds me of my sister Mary Jane and me.
Can’t wait for the new book – preorder in!
Happy holidays. xo Sally
Sally, I’m sure you made that money go a long way. Often just being together makes the holidays so special. I tell you, Jan and I are a mess. We’ve always been each other’s best friend. Make some more good memories this Christmas and I will too. Much love.
Thanks to everyone for sending me down memory lane today. One Christmas I especially remember, we didn’t have a tree yet and it was December 22 or 23. We always put our tree up on December 24, because we heated our house with a coal and wood stove and our living room wasn’t very big. Dad had said he would get us a tree but then he went rabbit hunting as he often did in the winter. To our surprise he came home with a Balsam fir tree that he found while hunting. It wasn’t a bushy tree like you could buy but once it was decorated we were all sure it was the prettiest tree ever. Hope everyone has a happy holiday season!
Alice, your dad knew what would put a big smile on your face. I think every Christmas tree is so beautiful. My dad used to hunt rabbits too but only in the winter. It was something he and my brother shared. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Hi Linda, your book sounds and looks like a Great read! My most memorable Christmas was the year when I was 7 yrs old. Our mom had our baby sister on December 23, well, the Dr. let them come back home on December 24 so that we all could spend Christmas Day together. Our dad brought them home and my 43 older brothers , my younger sister and I were all so happy and excited that we would All be together for Christmas like usual. Have a great day and a Great week. May you and your family have a Blessed Christmas.
Alicia, I’m sure you were thrilled with your new baby sister. I’m glad it worked out and you could all be together. Those are the best Christmases. Wishing you the best one ever. Thank you for liking my new book. I do think you’ll love it. It’s available in print now as well and is ready to go under some readers’ trees.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Blessings coming your way Linda
Sarah, the same to you. Let’s make some new memories this year! Merry Christmas!
My Birthday is on December 19. My Birthday is in a few days or more accurately on Friday
In 1984 my hubby and I got engaged right before Christmas (we’d only been on TWO dates!) so when we announced it to my parents, my mom let out a scream of joy and we were at my place of work which was on the 45th floor of a downtown Los Angeles high rise in a fancy law firm! She was so excited her firstborn to finally get married, she temporarily forgot where she was! It turned out fine though – LOL
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, to you, Linda & your family.
I, have enjoyed your books for a number of years now & hopefully for many more…each book is a treasure.
I, have a hard time passing them on to my friends & family….
Merry Christmas Linda! Your book sounds amazing and I’m on my way to get it now.
One of my favorite Christmas memories is when my granddaughter was two and a half years old. It had been years since we had played Santa for our kids, and it seemed Christmas didn’t seem as magical. That year, my daughter and son-in-law spent Christmas with us. I remember watching with such excitement as they slowly brought Keelie down the stairs. Seeing her little face light up brought that magic back that I had been longing for. I’ll never forget it.
Mine would be our first Christmas after getting married. It was during the Vietnam War. My husband had been sent back over for the second time, just 5 weeks after we got married. He was in Guam where his B-52 crew was stationed. I flew over to spend a month with him at Thanksgiving. He was scheduled to be home by Christmas. The night I flew out, all crews were recalled to base and confined to quarters. The pilot’s wife came to the apartment we shared with them to notify us. We never got to go out to dinner or for him to take me to the airport. She had no idea what was going on, but I was pretty sure I knew (and I was right). The next day was the beginning of Linebacker II, the bombing of North Vietnam which finally results in the end of the war. It was the first time they were having B-52’s shot down every day. There were no cell phones or the internet back then and private calls were not easy to make and cost a fortune. He managed to get a five minute call through on the military system most days to reassure me he was OK. I was in Florida with his mom and we worried through those few weeks together. He was able to come home about Jan. 5 and we had our Christmas then. It was my first lesson that you celebrate when you can. A day on a calendar is just that, a day. You are celebrating something special, be it Christmas, a birthday, an anniversary. That you can celebrate any time, even if it is a bit late or even early. We have done it many times since. Being together to celebrate is what is important, no matter when you do it.
I loved your post, Christmas on the Frontier was probably really rough. I heard people from New York that have people here in Kansas send through the mail Tumbleweeds and they pay $15 a piece for them. I wish I knew who these people were. I could make a killing with just the tumbleweeds around my Office.
I regress back to my childhood and remember on Christmas Eve going to each of my grandparents to eat and open presents with my cousins. Those were some really fun times.
Seems like now no one but just immediate family’s get together after my grandparents passed. I would love to have the entire family fellowship one more time.
Love you. Merry Christmas to you and all the fillies.