Exploring the rich history of Christmas celebrations in Carlsbad, New Mexico, from the 1880s to the present day.
For over a century, the city of Carlsbad, known as the Pearl of the Pecos, has embraced the spirit of Christmas. From its early days as a small desert community in southeast New Mexico to the present, Carlsbad has celebrated the holiday season with local events, shopping specials, and a sense of togetherness. Delving into the archives of the Carlsbad Current-Argus, we take a trip down memory lane to discover how Christmas has evolved in the Cavern City over the years.
1880s: Simple Pleasures and Thoughtful Gifts
In the late 19th century, Carlsbad reveled in the simpler pleasures of the holiday season. Newspaper clippings from the 1880s reveal stories of Ulysses S. Grant’s Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations in the soldier camps during the Civil War, contrasting with the more formal ceremonies enjoyed by Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The articles depict a community that cherished the tradition of gift-giving, with local Judge Nymeyer receiving an ear trumpet as a Christmas gift from an admiring friend.
1900s: Christmas at Sea and Music-filled Celebrations
In the early 20th century, Carlsbad experienced the excitement of an economic boom and the aftermath of World War I. Newspaper editorials from 1909 recount Admiral Bob Evans’ experiences spending Christmas at sea during the Civil War, highlighting the sailors’ efforts to decorate the ships with Christmas green despite the dangers they faced. Meanwhile, the local community embraced the joy of music, with Mrs. Virginia Coffman returning to Carlsbad to resume her music class and assist with the Christmas music at the Episcopal church.
1920s: A Prosperous Era and Festive Advertisements
The Roaring Twenties brought an economic boom to Carlsbad, and the early years of the decade were marked by advertisements in the Carlsbad Current. Greetings from local businesses, such as Pratt-Smith Hardware Co. and plumber H.A. Bock, showcased a thriving economy and a sense of holiday cheer.
1930s: Women’s Parties and Unusual Christmas Dinners
In the 1930s, the Business and Professional Women’s Club hosted an annual Christmas party, and the Daily Current-Argus covered the festivities. The newspaper reported on a Christmas dinner hosted by Mr. and Mrs. R.U. Boyd, a “roof garden dance” at Hotel Artesia, and a performance by the Toy Symphony Orchestra, a group of child musicians, for their mothers. Interestingly, an article from 1932 mentioned a Christmas dinner hosted by the Swastika Club, which was likely before the symbol was adopted by the Nazi party.
1940s: Christmas in the Midst of War
During World War II, Carlsbad’s Christmas celebrations were colored by the war and fighting overseas. Newspaper articles from the 1940s featured Pope Pius appealing for the end of the conflict, as well as stories of American fighter planes launching attacks on Christmas Day. These accounts reflect the challenges and sacrifices faced by the community during this tumultuous time.
1960s: Christmas Amid the Vietnam War
In the midst of the Vietnam War, the Carlsbad Current-Argus captured poignant moments of Christmas. A photograph from 1967 showed two Vietnamese girls receiving artificial Christmas trees, highlighting the challenges of celebrating the holiday in a war-torn country. Another story from 1969 detailed a battle involving U.S. troops in Cambodia, breaking the post-Christmas lull and reminding the community of the ongoing conflict.
1980s: Cold War Tensions and Holiday Buffets
The 1980s saw the intensification of the Cold War, and Carlsbad’s newspaper, the Current-Argus, reflected the political climate of the time. A 1985 article quoted Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega accusing U.S. President Ronald Reagan of seeking a “War at Christmas.” Despite these tensions, the community continued to celebrate the holiday season, as evidenced by advertisements for holiday buffets at local establishments like the Stevens Inn.
2000s: Christmas in a Polarized World
In the early 2000s, the Carlsbad Current-Argus captured the tense political climate of the time. A column from 2006 discussed the controversy surrounding the so-called “war on Christmas,” highlighting the divisions within society. Despite these challenges, the community remained resilient and continued to celebrate the holiday season.
2020s: Adapting to a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to Carlsbad’s Christmas celebrations in 2020. The famous Christmas on the Pecos boat rides, a beloved tradition for decades, had to be altered due to restrictions on public gatherings. However, the community adapted by offering virtual rides and eagerly awaited the return of live boat rides in 2021 as the pandemic subsided.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the history of Christmas in Carlsbad, we see a community that has weathered wars, economic booms, and political tensions. Through it all, the spirit of Christmas has endured, bringing joy and togetherness to the residents of the Cavern City. As Carlsbad continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the love and celebration of Christmas.
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