Every year around Christmas, I practice a Christmas tradition and revisit my childhood. I do this in many ways. I rewatch Rudolph and Frosty and It’s A Wonderful Life. I make cards for practically everyone I’ve ever met. I get glue all over my hands and hair. I get lost for moments staring at our Christmas tree. And I travel back in time with my trusty friends Molly, Samantha, Addy, Kit, Kristin and Josefina in The American Girls Holiday Treasury. In golden pages with an abundance of colorful illustrations, I jumped from World War 2 to the prairie to the Great Depression to New Mexico just to name a few places. American Girl is a company but also they are stories. And these are the stories I grew up with.
Molly, 1944. Molly grows up in the middle of World War 2. Her father is a doctor, working overseas and will not be home for Christmas. Not only that but at the very beginning they aren’t even sure if they will hear from him before Christmas, much less receive presents. Fun presents were hard things to come by because factories were too busy with the war effort. Thankfully Molly knows how to make the best of a not so ideal situation.
Did You Know?: Families visiting relatives for Christmas had to abide by the “Victory Speed Limit” which was 35 miles per hour.
Kit, 1934. Kit grows up during the Great Depression. Her family is having a rough go of it: her father’s out of work and her family has turned the house into a boarding house to make ends meet. However Kit’s mother confides she is worried they might not be able to pay the electric bill. Kit’s holiday season is far from merry after a fight with her best friend and dealing with her nasty uncle. Is there any way this holiday can be salvaged?
Samantha, 1904. Growing up during the Victorian Era, Samantha enjoys a festive Christmas season. She is excited her favorite uncle is coming to visit but she isn’t such a fan of his girlfriend at first. However once she starts to get to know her, she realizes what a special woman her future aunt is.
Did You Know? Teddy bears were popular at this time, named for President Teddy Roosevelt.
Addy, 1864: Addy is actually an escaped slave. Right now her entire family is split up. Addy and her mother live in Phildelphia. Addy’s mother works as a seamstress but they do not even have a lamp so it is difficult for her to get all her work done. However, I have a feeling some Christmas surprises will be coming her way.
Kristin, 1854 Kristin is a Swedish immigrant. In her culture, they celebrate St. Lucias’s day where Kristin wore a wreath on her head with candles, bringing breakfast to her family at dawn. Kristin goes with her father to get a trunk of their belongings but on their way back they get delayed by a blizzard. Will they make it home in time for Christmas morning? Will they make it home at all?
Josefina 1824 Josefina lives in New Mexico. She has several sisters and her mother has recently passed away. Reeling from grief and the pangs of growing up, Josefina learns she is certainly not alone this holiday season.
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