As we turn the pages on our calendars and welcome another winter into our lives our thoughts tend to wander to the holiday season, warmer climates, and creative ways to spend each day.
As the holiday season progresses and we brace for the deep snow and coldness to follow my thoughts turn to the winters from the past.
Our ancestors would celebrate in a most festive way each year, living with limited resources it was very important for them to remain creative and engage each and every season. A century ago, our ancestors would walk the beautiful tree lined streets of Concord and enjoy the colorful fall foliage, fresh air and gentle climate. As the beautiful foliage met the cooler weather the leaves fell to the ground signaling the need to prepare for the coming winter. There was a need to store provisions, process the bountiful fruits and vegetables from fall harvest, manufacture refreshing cider, sew winter clothing, chop wood for the woodstove and most importantly creatively plan for the holidays.
Once the basic necessities were completed to ensure survival for the approaching winter all eyes turned to the festivities that would arrive with the first burst of snow. Plans were made for the Concord Winter Carnival where entrants could express their feelings on decorated floats pulled along the Concord streets by horses. A most amusing event each and every winter that allowed both the young and old to enjoy. Stations were set up along the carnival route with small fires in barrels for warming people passing, hot cocoa, hot cider and stronger spirits were also provided to maintain the jovial and festive moods.
With Christmas approaching, I recall the small groups traveling from house to house caroling. They would simply knock on the doors of those in need of companionship and sing songs to bestow good tidings and joy. Many homeowners would reciprocate by treating the young carolers to homemade eggnog and delicious baked treats still warm from the wood-fueled ovens.
There were tree lightings and shopping down on Main Street where shopkeepers decorated to entice their consumers into the front doors of each shop. The Phenix Hotel provided a large sleigh where hotel patrons could embark on a sleigh ride to be enjoyed on the back roads surrounding Concord. Families preparing for Christmas could be seen as the sleight passed the beautifully decorated homes about Concord. A bonfire was always planned for the younger crowds at the park, where the cold evening was warmed by the fire as well as the very active socialization enjoyed by the teenagers. There were also toboggan and sled rides as well as ski jumps and ongoing culinary extravaganzas.
I was always very moved by the generosity of the people residing in our little town. Every social group, civic organization and resident placed charity at the top of their list. Our local orphanage was visited repeatedly by many, some people donated much while those that did not have anything to donate would just sit and visit with the orphaned children. Volunteers read stories to the children and a fine dinner was served consisting of roasted turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, carrots, turnips, parsnips and additional meats such as roast beef or ham. The children at the orphanage were also treated with desserts consisting of Apple pie, pumpkin pie, Christmas pudding, raisin pudding and fruitcake.
Many brightly wrapped presents were always left under the orphanage Christmas tree.
The generosity and spirit of the season did not stop at the orphanage, many families in need were also recipients of the Concord Christmas spirit. Members of the Concord Fire Department would work at the firehouse building wooden toys for the children and they delivered many a meal upon their bright red firetrucks.
As this Christmas approaches and the need to creatively entertain for the coming cold months arrives, I think back to our past. Thinking about those less fortunate is a tradition that is time-honored here in Concord. Remembering those in need with a visit, a gift, a telephone call, a donation or just festive Christmas caroling will allow the elderly and less fortunate to enjoy this most wonderful time of the year.
Merry Christmas Concord and to all a good night.