Today is Christmas – the most widely celebrated holiday of the year. While it is generally a happy occasion, this is not always the case.

Dec. 26, 1890 – Christmas is over. The (1) candy, (2) popcorn, and (3) broken toys have been swept out of the way. The (4) Christmas tree lingers in the parlor to make a bonfire New Year’s Eve. The (5) “Adeste Fideles” has given way to (6) watch hymns for the dying year, and many of us will cast retrospective glances back and see sandwiched in the vanished days all sorts of memories of broken resolutions and unaccomplished work. But the New Year comes with all its possibilities before us. May its facts be bright and joyous!

Dec. 25, 1895 – Christmas Day – the day of all days – the gladdest and best of the year – has come for this year and will within a matter of hours be numbered with those of the past. Among the people of this community, it passed quietly, but was regarded with no less fervency or reverence than in former years.

Dec. 26, 1896 – The post office and Racket Store were robbed last night between 12 and 1 o’clock. The good news is that the burglars were caught and the stolen goods recovered.

Dec. 27, 1899 – Dr. J. S. Houston, who suffered grievously as a result of a fall from a horse several weeks ago, died today, shortly after observing his last Christmas. He was a fine physician, a good citizen and faithful friend to many. He leaves an aged father and mother, a broken-hearted wife, and two bright little boys, John and Louie, to mourn his death. (The two sons later operated a drug store in Hartselle for many years.)

Dec. 25, 1906 – The holiday festivities opened up tonight as the lads and lassies of the town gathered en masse at the residence of Dr. and Mrs. W. A. Barclift. The well lighted parlors were artistically decorated with holly and mistletoe – true emblems of Christmastide. Formality was cast aside and each and every one entered with hearty zest into the enjoyment of the evening.

Dec. 25, 1910 – Christmas here was opened and closed without any mishap of any kind. The day was generally quietly observed and no disturbance of any sort was reported. Today most of the stores are closed, in order to give the employees a chance to take a holiday. All the stores report a most prosperous trade during the past several weeks and the stocks of holiday goods were sold practically out.

Dec. 26, 1921 – Mrs. Sallie Simpson, one of Hartselle’s early residents, died at Earle, Arkansas, today after living to see one more Christmas. Hartselle Postmistress Elizabeth Simpson was by her mother’s side when the end came.

Dec. 26, 1922 – Katie Sue Hodges entertained friends at her home with a lovely Christmas-themed party tonight. Katie Sue is a sophomore at Women’s College in Montgomery.

Dec. 27, 1939 – Mrs. Howard Burleson’s Christmas decorations really stood out this year, even among an outstanding collection of residential ornamental displays. Her beautifully executed theme was “Peace on Earth.”

Dec. 25, 1950 – M.C.H.S. students dug down in their Christmas savings to provide Christmas baskets for needy families today. Each high school class packed a basket – and they were abundantly loaded with food for Christmas feasts and more. Then each class selected the family for which its basket was intended. It was an example of the true Christmas spirit which really filled Principal Darden with pride in his students.

Dec. 25, 1955 – Local viewers were treated to many wonderful Christmas programs on Channel 23 today, including a special GE Theatre presentation hosted by Ronald Reagan.