When I was just a young child growing up in Concord, I awaited Christmas anxiously like most children. It was only natural to anticipate this annual celebration because it meant I would receive gifts from Santa. As I became older, I attended St. Peters School where the Sisters of Mercy told the students what Christmas meant as well as the story behind the origin of the celebration. We would participate in our annual Christmas play and perform on our little stage in the school hall over on the Walker Street side of the building. Our parents would dutifully applaud and give hugs and kisses for a job well done. One year, I was a shepard on the stage while the following year I played the part of an angel. It is with fond memories I recall these early years that have become a part of the meaning of Christmas for me.
My story will be different from your story, certainly there are no two stories alike. For some people it might be the thoughts of a fine Christmas dinner, a gathering of friends and families or perhaps the scent of Nana’s apple pie baking in a warm kitchen. Perhaps Christmas instills forlorn feelings, I know I miss my family dearly but find comfort in the thought they are in heaven above. There are indeed countless thoughts within numerous hearts during Christmas.
I have discovered many different events and topics regarding the meaning of Christmas. So, travel back with me as I return to some of our cherished past Christmas days.
This month, we celebrate the Christmas tree lighting on Main Street in Concord. It is a joyous occasion where many gather, Santa visits and hot chocolate and cider is consumed. We stand in front of our grand State House and count off the seconds until the large Christmas tree is celebrated with a festive lighting. We sing Christmas carols and say “Merry Christmas” many times to strangers and friends alike.
I remember the Christmas tree down on Main Street in Concord over 50 years ago, I have a warm place in my heart when I recall standing with my family as the colorful bulbs glowed, the scent of the pine tree and the light snow gently drifting to the ground. This is certainly a very nostalgic memory for me. But we didn’t always have a Christmas tree down on Main Street!
It was back in the year 1913 when the citizens of Concord decided to gather as one large family and set up the very first Main Street Christmas Tree on the New Hampshire State House Plaza. The newspapers boasted “there will be a big tree in the State House yard decorated and lighted by electricity.” So, on Dec. 24, 1913, the first tree lighting occured. People were summoned by the ringing of the bells in St. Paul’s Church, an invitation for everyone to come to town and gather around. Carols were sung by the church choir and the band performed on this frigid Christmas Eve while our ancestors gathered in a circle around this festive tree.
The event continued for many years and, eventually, the city of Concord decided it was time to establish city funds to purchase decorations to hang from the utility poles. In the fall of 1950, the city decided it was time to make this peaceful investment, a vote that certainly faced no opposition. The angels and trees in festive form were purchased and used year after year. These were the decorations our Concord General Service crew stored away all summer and installed from a ladder as the Christmas season arrived each year. It was in fact Concord Councilman Howe Anderson that made this proposal back in 1950 securing the funds for the Main Street decorations, decorations that lasted well over the next forty years, decorations that I can still see in my old memories.
The Concord Boys Club always provided a delicious hot turkey dinner for the children on Highland Street, a tradition that dates back to the 1940s. The long tables were set in the gymnasium and covered in white tablecloths. Folding chairs lined the tables from end to end as the scent of a roasted turkey dinner and fixings filled the air. I would attend this event every year along with most of the children in town, served by volunteer Concord Police Officers. It was the social event of the season for a young boy like me. A feeling unmatched, it continues to hold special Christmas meaning for me as well as many others from long ago.
The Concord Chamber of Commerce established a Retail Activities Committee responsible for boosting Christmas sales down on Main Street. In 1936, this committee set about planning ways to bring people to town during Christmas. They called for “unusual street lighting and flag decoration” to build sales. No idea was frowned upon during this Great Depression era, the people enjoyed the added attractions while the merchants benefited from increased foot traffic and sales.
During 1949, Governor Sherman Adams once again visited the old concept of New Hampshire State Prison Christmas Pardons. This was an event that was initiated each year where the standing governor would pardon one or two inmates and release them on Christmas day. The Executive Council would meet the Wednesday before Christmas and discuss the prospects for the annual event with Prison Board Trustees forwarding prospects to the governor to consider for a pardon. Certainly, a greatly anticipated event for those incarcerated on North State Street.
There was a large public relations event focused on Christmas in 1939. New Hampshire Governor Francis Murphy was scheduled to serve Christmas dinners at the Concord Salvation Army headquarters. He followed this event with a dedication of the new State Police radio broadcasting station where he delivered a brief message to those receiving holiday baskets.
I find our history of Christmas to be quite thought provoking and honorable. I find it very comforting and certainly heartwarming. My message to you this Christmas is not unlike the messages that have been sent in the past. Remember to be kind to all that you encounter for you do not know the burden they hold within. Remember to feed the hungry a hot dinner on a cold night and take the time to speak to those you feed, for perhaps the conversation might be the only one they have this day. Give praise even when it is not warranted and speak less of your own heavy burdens. Love one another and say please and thank you. Provide shelter and warm clothing to the cold and weary for they may not have this basic necessity. Remember to foster kind Christmas memories for the children – these thoughts they will carry a lifetime.
The meaning of Christmas is simply a different meaning to each and every one of you, but there is a common theme year after year and it is carried deeply within your hearts. May this Christmas provide you with newfound compassion for mankind and an understanding of the true meaning of Christmas.