Vignette's of The Civil War, A Tale of Christmas in the 1860s By O.J. Fargo

 Civil War Christmas

 Drawing by Thomas Nast

"Thomas Nast built upon this 19th-century persona when he began drawing Santa for Harper’s Weekly. He published his initial illustration of Santa Claus in his first year with the magazine. His January 3, 1863 cover depicted Santa Claus handing out presents to Union soldiers."

Wikipedia

According to Mary Elizabeth Massey's Ersatz in the Confederacy, tree decorations were often homemade and many people used the patriotic motif. Some substitute the customary star at the top of the tree with the Stars and Bars and pictures of General Lee. A Richmond family decorated their tree with tails and ears from the slaughter of hogs. The tails were decorated with ruffled paper while the ears held the light-wood candles. Strings of popcorn were used. Gifts were usually handmade, and many children got nothing because many in the Confederacy could not obtain or afford even simple things. In an effort to explain to children why Santa had "forgotten them" stories and poems were printed in papers and magazines. Dr. Massey writes that the most widely circulated was the poem by Mary McCrimmon called "Santa Claus." 

"I'm sorry to write,

Our ports are blockaded, and Santa, tonight,

Will hardly get down here; for if he should start,

The Yankees would get him unless he was smart,

They beat all the men in creation to run,

And if they could get him, they'd think it fine fun

To put him in prison and steal the nice toys

He started to bring to our girls and boys.

But try not to mind it - tell over your jokes - 

Be gay and be cheerful, like other good folks;

For if you remember to be good and kind,

Old Santa next Christmas will bear it in mind."

-From the collection of

 O.J. Fargo.