Christmas

Jim Harmon writes, "As for those Christmas cards – they may be old fashioned, but I think most folks still enjoy receiving them in the mail."

It was December 1875. The town of Missoula had just turned 10 years old and residents wanted to celebrate with grand Christmas parties. “The ladies of Missoula met at the parlor of the Kennedy House (Hotel) on the 13th of December to make arrangements for a Christmas tree.”

The Missoula Boys and Girls Glee Clubs readied for their performances, the fire chief made his annual plea to be careful with candles near the holiday tree, 200 sacks of mail arrived at the train depot, and the Missoula Male Chorus planned performances for the Poor Farm. It was Christmastime in Missoula – 100 years ago.

Tales of Montana Christmases past show years of sadness and struggle, joy and celebration.

This year’s gift suggestions include fancy watches, cordless cork removers, skin-care products, beverage makers, beard trimmers, yoga mats, wine collections, rechargeable hand warmers, and self-heating beverage cups. It’s enough to make one look back fondly to simpler times and simpler gifts.

The Christmas message from Rev. F.D. Kelsey rang true in 1886, and also today: "Many a man whose exterior is rough and pointed and a caution to handle, will have on Christmas his heart opened, revealing to himself and others a much richer and more precious heart than the exterior seemed to promise."