Who’s up for a little time travel?
I’d love to take you on a journey back to Christmas past…. We’re rewinding the centuries and stopping by to visit our good friends, Colonel Arthur DeKay and his family, as they celebrate Christmas right at the end of the Civil War.
As we enter the warm, cozy cabin, we’ll see some familiar sights that let us know that the season of joy has arrived. There’s a fragrant cedar or spruce tree fresh from the woods waiting in the corner. Colonel DeKay and his sons spotted it earlier in the year on a hunting excursion, and they knew it would be perfect for their family’s Christmas celebration.
Mrs. DeKay and her daughters are sitting by the hearth, enjoying the warm glow of the roaring fire as they thread their needles to string long garlands of popcorn. Will the freshly popped corn make it onto the garland, or will it wind up in the tummies of the little DeKays?
Hopefully they’ll save some room for their delicious supper. Mrs. DeKay has been simmering the stew in the big black kettle for hours, and the mouth-watering smell fills the cabin with the promise of a delicious meal to come. Colonel DeKay is already looking forward to sopping up the stew with a piece of piping hot cornbread, though the children prefer to douse theirs in sweet sorghum syrup!
The DeKay children can barely contain their excitement because they know that Santa Claus comes tonight, and they can’t wait to see what treasures he brings. It won’t be much, but it will be special. A new doll and a lovely comb and brush set for the girls, and a brand-new rifle for the oldest son. Papa is hoping for a new pipe, while mama is dreaming of a warm scarf and a handsome pair of gloves.
As the DeKay family sits down to supper, they join hands to thank God for His blessings, and to ask for comfort and protection for the soldiers who won’t be able to spend Christmas at home this year.
There won’t be piles of presents, big parties, or extravagant feasts, but it will be a Christmas filled with warmth, love, and gratitude. I hope that your holidays are as joyful as the DeKay family Christmas.
