An Old-Fashioned Christmas

Piano in the parlour at the Calvin Coolidge Homestead. Photo was taken on my recent visit to Plymouth Notch, Vermont.

I remember having a piano in my childhood home. None of we children ever had lessons but my mother knew how to play. She kept assorted songbooks inside the storage area of the bench. I loved taking out the Christmas books and trying to play them.

One of my weekly chores was to dust the living room. I took special care of the piano. It always seemed like home to have that piano in the house. It was especially nice at Christmas time. My mother rarely played, but with our urging, we convinced her to play just a few Christmas songs for us. I can still remember us all standing around her, as she sat on the bench. Mother played while Dad and the children sang the songs.

Winters were cold by the ocean at our Massachusetts home. We lived in a beach cottage on an acre of land. The home belonged to our grandparents and was passed down to our mother. We all lived with grandmother and grandfather until they went home to be with the Lord. It was a humble place kept nice by mother's housekeeping and father's maintenance work.

As the Christmas season is coming soon, I have begun to reflect on an old-fashioned Christmas. There was not much money in my childhood home. We wore sweaters indoors and mother was very hesitant and careful when she turned up the heat. We had an 8 -track tape player with a little rack full of Christmas songs. We loved to hear these old classics as we did our chores and puttered around the house.

In those days I don't recall elaborate decorations on the houses. You would not see colored lights on the outside of the house. There was nothing on the yards except snow. The only thing one could see while walking by the houses, in our neighborhood, was a lit-up Christmas tree in each living room window. It was humble, charming, and modest. As I think of it now, the simplicity was lovely and refreshing.

Indoors, we had a tree in the corner of the living room. The only other decoration to announce the season was a nativity scene placed carefully on top of the piano (or on an end table by the couch).

None of us realized there was a lack of money. In those days, it was not common to buy gifts for friends or for those at work. We worked hard, saved, and sacrificed to get a gift for Mother and Dad. We could not even imagine coming up with funds to buy presents for those outside the family. I don't think it even entered our minds. We were just so happy to have enough for the family.

When seeing neighbors or friends, A "Merry Christmas" was cheerfully wished to all and then we all went to our own beloved homes. I think family life was more intact in those days, in the general culture, when Mother was often at home and the relatives lived nearby in established neighborhoods. We all worked hard at school and with jobs so that being home meant everything. It was a place to rest and feel safe. It was even more so at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I want to mention that the day after Thanksgiving was a family day. We enjoyed a vacation and just stayed home. In those days, Black Friday had not even been invented yet! There was not much emphasis on shopping or spending money. This was in the days before easy credit and credit cards.

This Christmas season will be similar to the ones of my childhood. There is not any spare money available. We need a Kerosene delivery this week to keep the house warm. We have a medical trip coming up soon. The cost of food is rising and we just received notice that our annual house insurance bill has skyrocketed. I have a few little gifts safely tucked away for some of the grandchildren that I managed to buy earlier in the year. I have been thinking how nice it would be to have one little gift, beautifully wrapped, in the living room for my husband and me. This would help make Christmas special for us. (I wonder if this is just a passing thought of selfishness?) We have spent many years without gifts because the children and grandchildren come first. We only buy little, inexpensive things for the family (perhaps for $4 or $10 each). Even then, it is a struggle. I am always so grateful to be able to do this. On what I consider good years; I am able to get my husband a new package of socks or a warm winter shirt as a surprise gift. He is happy and thankful and never asks for anything. We are used to living a life of humble means with great faith in God.

Despite what sounds like a hardship, we feel content and blessed. We have a home to live in. We are always here to welcome the children and grandchildren home. We have learned to be creative and inventive, making the most of life without much money. This is why an old-fashioned Christmas can be so special. We can read from the book of Luke, enjoy homemade Christmas cookies, and bring cheer and happiness to the family from hearts full of love and kindness.

May you be greatly blessed this Thanksgiving and Christmas season and always!

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Peaceful old time Living - Quiet Duties of Home.  

What Many of Us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

Taking Care of the Family - A Covered Bridge and Graceful Living in Rural Vermont. 

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

For happiness and cheer in the kitchen:

Mrs. White's old-fashioned cookbook focuses on serving meals and setting the table in a humble home.

"Serving in the Kitchen: Cookbook with Recipes, Advice, and Encouragement for the Christian Home"

152 pages, paperback

Treasure in the House

Miniature Bible on our table. 

The grandchildren were expected for an early dinner. I went about setting the table for them.  I was looking for just the right thing to make it special.  I remembered the miniature (KJV) Bibles I have for babies and preschoolers. I found one and carefully tucked it beside a candle centerpiece. It spoke volumes of what was on my heart. This little book was the secret of my joy and rest and peace as I go about the Master's work here in the home.

At dinner, one of the younger grandsons noticed the book with eagerness.  He asked, "Is that a little Bible?" He was delighted.  It is cherished in his home as well.  

Years ago, Bibles would commonly contain several pages elaborately decorated with the intention of recording the family genealogy.  If someone would ask grandfather when a grandchild had been born, he would get the Family Bible and find the answer.  In the old days, this was often considered proof of the date of one's birth or to confirm the relation of members of the family.

It is a blessing and a joy to have a Bible to read.  One of the greatest memories, for old time families, is the remembrance of hearing Mother and Dad reading from the Bible to their children.

LOC: Abraham Lincoln Reading the Bible to his son, 1865.

Children who grow up in a home where the Bible is loved, cherished, and frequently read, have a wonderful fondness for home and family.  When they grow up, they tend to keep this precious habit of gleaning spiritual nourishment every day of their lives.  This used to be so common in previous generations. 

Young Men's Christian Association flyer, 1919. 

In our modern culture, where constant advertising promotes materialism and excessive forms of secular recreation, it is sometimes difficult to keep one's spiritual bearings.  We can counter this by keeping the Bible prominent in the home.  It should not be dusty for lack of use. It must be the most loved and respected book, more valuable than piles of gold. It is the treasure of the house. 

As I look back over the years as a wife, mother, and grandmother, life was not easy. Yet I feel so grateful and blessed.  We may have been poor, but we always had a Bible in the house.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -


Always Remember this - The House Comes First.

The Beauty of an Ordinary, Simple Life - Standard of Living.

A Blessing in Making an Effort - Peaceful Homemaking.

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

An Old-Fashioned Devotional Book:

"Inspired by the life, writings, and journals  of John Wesley (1700's), Mrs. White has created  a 90 - day Bible study challenge. ."

Early Morning Revival Challenge

Paperback, 116 pages. 

Making Home a Refuge

LOC: Sitting by the fireplace around 1925.

On a recent trip, I stopped at one of the historic 1800's homestead museums, here in Vermont. This was on our way home from a doctor visit.  I am trying to find inspiration and encouragement in homemaking.  I want to keep learning and keep making an effort to make our home a pleasant place to be.  I do this in the midst of whatever else is happening around me. It happens in any leisure moments or while waiting for important things. 

On this visit I saw the grounds of the property. There was a kitchen garden, an orchard, barns, sheds, and a lovely home. I thought about all the work that went into running this home and managing the care of the laundry, the meals, the cleaning, and the welcoming of guests and family. Many of these old properties are surrounded by trees and hedges providing the home with a place of tranquility and rest. 

The landscaping was charming with graveled walkways along the grassy areas. I walked around the property slowly with much thought.

Mrs. White at one of the historic homesteads, here in Vermont.

This home was built around the same time as my own house, in the 1850's.  At the time of my visit, the museum was closed for the season. I was given permission to walk the grounds, however, and someday hope to return when they are open so I can see inside the house. (Whenever this happens, I will share all about it with you here.)

Back at home, I am so grateful for the privilege of having a place to live. Even though our house is humble, old, in great need of paint and repairs, it is a blessing! 

I try to keep a quiet atmosphere. This does not refer to noise, but to a sense of peace. We do our best, as homemakers, to create a meaningful culture around us. This comforts the family and gives them a sense of routine and a love for that which is good. 

 Some things that are common here are the hearing of sermons, the gentle playing of hymns in the background, and the happy sound of chatter. 

Bible time is a much-loved aspect of the routine. It happens mostly at sporadic times. Participants include whoever is at home at present.  This includes the reading of a passage of Scripture, the singing of hymns, and a time of prayer.  Bible time happens informally (at sporadic times) and formally (in the evening).  There are times when some of our grandchildren are visiting through the dinner hour and the sun is setting. The children are present when it is time for our evening Bible time.  We love when this happens as the children get to participate in our beloved family worship. There are other times when grown children happen to stop by for a visit at just the right time. We enjoy a rest from all that is going on in the world as we gratefully read the Bible and pray together.

Other aspects of home life include sewing, mending, washing dishes, sweeping floors and doing laundry. Whoever happens to be here, joins right in to help with the blessing of work. 

We enjoy bringing happiness to others as we serve in the home.  The other day, some of the grandchildren were here for a visit.  I called the two oldest ones into the kitchen. We were preparing an afternoon treat. Grand-girl set the table with plates, napkins, and silverware.  Grandson cut strawberries and served them on the plates. I carefully sliced small pieces of homemade cake for everyone.  When the table was ready, Grand-girl rang the dinner bell to call the rest of the children.  They came running, as they wondered what was happening.  As soon as they saw the delightful cake and fresh fruit at their seats, they brightened with smiles and happiness.  Then I handed a spoon and a container of Cool Whip to Grand-girl. The children had never seen it before and didn't know what it was! It is a rare treat in our house. I reminded her of the duties of a hostess, spreading good manners while serving. She walked around the table asking each "guest" if they would like some Cool Whip. Each responded with a "yes, please," as she dished out a portion beside their cake.  Then we paused for a prayer of thanksgiving before we began to eat.  A lovely time was had by all.

This is how we create a beautiful culture in our homes - by chores, service, and the love and care of the family. We work hard at being peacemakers, forgiving, extending mercy, and cultivating a gracious heart.  This great and noble work of homemaking is essential to passing on the joy and peace of family life. Today, and always, shut out the troubles of the outside world. Then let us keep making home a bright and cheerful place to be. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Old Time Living - A Louisa May Alcott Winter. 

Financial Struggles - A New England Winter on a Small Income. 

A Mother's Greatest Use of Time - A Humble Parlour as a School of Theology.

 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Every home can be a homeschool!

Find confidence and courage in teaching your own children at home with Mrs. White's book,

Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life.

112 pages, paperback.

Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life - My New Book about Homeschooling

Mrs. White's new book about homeschooling.

 

With the many changes in our culture and system of educating our children, there is a renewed interest in homeschooling. My new book will help give you confidence and courage in teaching your own children at home.

The book is divided into 3 sections:

1 - Homemaking Foundation

In this section, I share encouragement in housekeeping, old time thrift, chores, a daily schedule, and the sense of peace one can find in simple living.  This section will set the foundation for seamlessly adding schoolwork into the day's routine.

2 - Home Studies

This is the largest section of the entire book.  I share many old fashioned teaching ideas, suggestions for a basic curriculum, and thoughts on state laws. You will also see a sampling of books found in our home library.  This section includes a story about an ordinary day teaching children at home. 

3 - Field Trip

I take you back in time on a field trip to Plymouth Notch, Vermont. This is the beautiful village where Calvin Coolidge was born and brought up.  We will learn about the neighborhood, the industry of the families, the chores, and what it was like in a one-room schoolhouse. I will even share with you what textbooks were used in this school in the year 1873.  You will get a sense of rest and comfort as you read about what life was like in a rural village in the late 1800's to the early 1900's.  This was the environment that produced our 30th President of the United States.  

I visited Plymouth Notch 3 times as part of my research for this section.  I also share several reference notes from a variety of sources.    I took a great many pictures to include with this special feature of the book.  The rural mountain village is a restful, lovely place.

* The book includes 38 black-and-white photographs.* 

As you read this book, I hope you get a sense that, no matter what is going on in the world, every home can be a homeschool. 

 

The book is now available in both paperback and hardcover editions:

 Seeking a Thrifty and Simple Life: Encouragement for Christian Homeschooling by Mrs. White

Paperback, 112 pages

ISBN: 978-1-956616-35-4

Hardcover, 112 pages

ISBN: 978-1-956616-36-1

 

If you are able to help with getting the word out about my homeschooling book, I would appreciate it so much!  We are also grateful for your reviews on Amazon! Thank you!

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Remembering The Old Days - The Blessing of Being a Half-Southern Mama.

It is all I want to be - Secretary to the Master.  

We all need this - Peace Be Upon This House.

 

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Keep Home a Place of Refuge

LOC: Howard family moving into their home in 1937, Alabama,

We are facing uncertain times.  With an election looming over us all, many are worried or on edge.  There are so many unknowns.  There is division among neighbors and friends.  It is not an easy time.  In the midst of all that is happening, we need to keep home a safe and restful place.

There is an art to keeping house. It is something we need to practice every day.  There are home duties that keep our minds occupied. They bring a calmness to the heart. 

Do not let the troubles of the world distract you. There are dishes to wash, dinners to cook, laundry to do, and floors to sweep. While we are working to maintain a pretty and clean home, the family is blessed by our efforts. They will think to themselves that, regardless of what is happening on the outside, home is another world!  It is their refuge where they draw strength to face each day.  

While the world seems to be falling apart, Mother is creating a beautiful place to be. It is a valuable and much needed work!

Home is where we can rest and enjoy the comfort of nourishing food.  It is a place to pray and meditate on Scripture. It is a place where old hymns are cherished. This is where the family finds care and love. 

 When one of the family walks down the lane, at the end of the workday, there is a light in the window, showing that someone is home. There is a glow of warmth from the lamp. It soothes the mind to see a vision of home.  At the end of a hard day, battling the ways and worries of the world, home is a welcome retreat. It is the place for weary souls to find peace.

Let us not worry about all the troubles around us.  Stay on the task at hand. The work before us will be the same every day of our lives, regardless of a corrupt world surrounding us.  Build up the family every moment of every day. Keep the home a calm and restful place.

We do our part, and then we must remember that the Lord reigns over all. It is not for us to worry.   Do not let fear overcome you. Rest in the Lord. Keep your mind and eyes on Him. Let every step be near Him. All will be well. The Lord is good all the time.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

Old Time Wisdom from Colonial Days - To Earn and Not to Spend.

Ideas For Happiness - The House Comes First.

What Many of Us Crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Find cleaning inspiration and encouragement in Mrs. White's book, "Gracious House Keeping."

"Gracious House Keeping: Advice, Encouragement, and Cleaning Help for the Christian Housewife."

Complete with Encouragement and Work Charts to cheer you along in your homemaking!

115 pages, paperback.