Christmas in Carlsbad: A Journey Through Time

A look back at the rich history of Christmas celebrations in Carlsbad, New Mexico, through the decades.

Carlsbad, known as the Pearl of the Pecos, has always held a special place in its heart for Christmas. From the late 19th century to the present day, this desert city in southeast New Mexico has celebrated the holiday season with a sense of community, joy, and togetherness. Through newspaper clippings and historical archives, we can delve into the past and explore the traditions, events, and stories that have shaped Christmas in Carlsbad.

1880s: Simple Pleasures and Thoughtful Gifts
In the 1880s, while the nation was undergoing the Second Industrial Revolution and recovering from the Civil War, Carlsbad found solace in the simpler pleasures of Christmas. A newspaper article from December 1889 described how Ulysses S. Grant, a prominent figure during the Civil War, celebrated Christmas and Thanksgiving in the soldier camps. It highlighted the contrast between the formal ceremonies enjoyed by Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The article also revealed that Grant never had wine or spirits at his table, showcasing the modesty of the times. Another clipping from the same period mentioned Judge Nymeyer receiving a unique Christmas gift—an ear trumpet from an admiring friend.

1900s: Christmas at Sea and Musical Delights
In the early 1900s, Carlsbad residents celebrated Christmas in various ways. An editorial by Admiral Bob Evans, published in the December 24, 1909 edition of the Carlsbad Current-Argus, recounted his experiences spending Christmas at sea during the Civil War. Despite the fierce combat, the sailors managed to trim the mastheads of their ships with Christmas green, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the holiday. In another article from the same period, Mrs. Virginia Coffman’s return to Carlsbad was celebrated. She had enjoyed a pleasant stay in Long Beach and was busy helping with the Christmas music at the Episcopal church, spreading the joy of the season through music.

1920s: Economic Boom and Festive Greetings
The Roaring Twenties brought an economic boom to Carlsbad, and this prosperity was reflected in the advertisements of local businesses. A newspaper from December 1922 featured a large ad from Pratt-Smith Hardware Co., offering Christmas greetings to its customers. Another greeting came from plumber H.A. Bock. These advertisements showcased the strong economy and festive spirit of the early 1920s in Carlsbad.

1930s: Christmas Parties and Performances
In the 1930s, Carlsbad residents embraced the holiday season with various festivities. The “Of Interest to Women” section of the Daily Current-Argus in December 1932 highlighted the annual Christmas party hosted by the Business and Professional Women’s Club. Other events included 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. The Swastika Club also hosted a Christmas dinner, a reminder of a time before the symbol was associated with Nazi Germany.

1940s: Christmas in the Midst of War
With World War II raging, Christmas in the 1940s was colored by the war’s impact. Pope Pius appealed for the end of the conflict in a December 1943 edition, proclaiming it the “last Christmas of war.” Another story detailed the Allies’ “heaviest daylight assault” on the Pas-De-Calais “rocket-gun coast” on Christmas Day. These events served as a reminder of the sacrifices made during this tumultuous time.

1960s: Christmas in Vietnam
In the midst of the Vietnam War, Carlsbad residents were reminded of the global impact of the conflict. A photograph published in December 1967 showed two Vietnamese girls receiving artificial Christmas trees, as the real trees did not grow well in Vietnam’s climate. Another story from December 1969 highlighted a battle in Cambodia, involving U.S. forces, which broke the “post-Christmas lull” of the war.

1980s: Cold War Tensions and Holiday Buffets
The tensions of the Cold War seeped into the holiday season in the 1980s. A 1985 edition featured an article where Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega accused U.S. President Ronald Reagan of seeking a “War at Christmas.” The newspaper also advertised a $3.65 buffet at the Stevens Inn, showcasing the festive offerings available during this time. The presence of U.S. Marines stationed in Lebanon, on high alert during their Christmas dinner, further underscored the global conflicts of the era.

2000s: The Changing Political Climate
In the early 2000s, the political climate influenced discussions around Christmas. A column by Editor Ned Cantwell in December 2006 addressed the controversy surrounding the so-called “war on Christmas,” highlighting the debates and legal battles surrounding the celebration of the holiday.

2020s: Adapting to a Pandemic Christmas
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to Carlsbad’s Christmas celebrations in 2020. The beloved Christmas on the Pecos boat rides, which traditionally showcased beautifully decorated homes along the river, had to be altered. Visitors were able to experience the ride virtually through a video. However, in 2021, as the pandemic subsided, live boat rides resumed, bringing back the joy and magic of the holiday season.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on the rich history of Christmas in Carlsbad, we see how the city has navigated through times of war, economic prosperity, and social change. From simple pleasures to grand celebrations, Carlsbad has always found a way to embrace the spirit of Christmas. As the years pass, the traditions may evolve, but the sense of community and togetherness remains at the heart of the holiday season in Carlsbad, the Pearl of the Pecos.


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