“I’ll be home for Christmas” is a song that expresses the desire to be with family and friends to celebrate during the holidays when circumstances might prevent it. That may be a common sentiment this year as Covid19 continues to pose health threats and forces many to downsize plans. Instead of large parties with extended relatives, only immediate family members will get together to open presents around the tree. Fortunately, with modern day technology, video chats will be prevalent to connect with loved ones this season.
There have always been those who could not make it home for the holidays, due to work, military service, or distance and travel limitations. Before computers or telephones, cards and letters were the primary forms of communication to stay in touch. Packages too could be sent through the mail, delivering cookies, candies or other presents to those away from home. But what it was like centuries ago for those who left behind their fatherland and loved ones in search of a better life?
All of my ancestors immigrated to America before 1800, with some escaping religious persecution in their native countries. Several in my maternal line have known immigration dates. George Blackiston came from England to Maryland in the latter part of the 17th century. In 1733 Hans George Rugh and in 1734 Andreas Brinker both came to Pennsylvania from Switzerland along with their wives and children. With a vast ocean between them and their native lands, these families had only their memories and customs to remind them of home during the holidays.
Much of Europe and England celebrated 12 days of Christmas, and certainly those who were newly arrived in America observed traditions from back home, though perhaps on a smaller scale. I imagine ancestors preparing dishes from their native countries, celebrating in customary ways as they remembered their loved ones far away. Perhaps, unknown to us, some customs in our families were handed down from these ancestors.
This year will be first that our families will be celebrating Christmas apart. We will connect over the holidays with some video chats, and cards and presents have been exchanged through postal delivery. Although we won’t be together in person, we will still celebrate Christmas with a feeling of family as they will be ever present in my thoughts during the day. As the song goes, “I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.”
Happy Holidays!
Relatively Speaking Blog 