"Celebrating Christmas During the War of 1812" Topic

" Christmas during the time of the War of 1812 had little resemblance to today's holiday celebrations. Indeed Christmas day was recognized as an important religious event and was marked by the English and Germans with a special church service, a fine dinner and simple decorations but absent were large celebrations that one would expect. For French Canadians and Scots, New Years Day was the focal point of their seasonal festivities. In contrast to this, the protestant Upper Canadians and newly-arrived American settlers, looked scornfully upon Christmas celebrations, particularly its decorations, as a "rag of Romanism". An English immigrant coming to Canada noted in the 1820s: "I was much surprised at the cold indifference which most people showed in their observance of Christmas day -with the exception of the then few residing English families, the church was scantily attended." …"

warof1812.ca/christmas.htm

Armand