Christmas during the Civil War

I have been coming across interesting stories and facts about the Civil War this year, which marks the beginning of the Sesquicentennial of that conflict which took place from 1861 to 1865. Here's a description of how the soldiers celebrated Christmas, the first depiction of Santa Claus in 1863 as we know the "jolly old" fellow today and how the national holiday honoring Christmas was established that I found in an e-mail from Ford's Theatre:

Civil War Digest

Civil War Christmas Traditions

How Union Soldiers Celebrated

Although Christmas was not technically a nationwide holiday during Lincoln's presidency, soldiers celebrated Christmas in a variety of ways. Union soldiers would use salt pork and hardtack to decorate Christmas trees. Many soldiers also indulged in special meals with foods such as turkey, fruits and pie. While troops were traveling, many received care packages with food, clothing and small trinkets.

The image that we equate with Santa Claus today—the long white beard, cherry-colored nose and big belly—was created by Thomas Nast for the January 3, 1863, issue of Harper's Weekly. Nast's image depicted Santa arriving at a Union camp dressed in an outfit with stars and stripes in a carriage pulled by reindeer. In 1870, Christmas became an official Federal holiday when President Ulysses S. Grant used it as a means to unite the North and South.

"Santa Claus in Camp" by Thomas Nast. Cover of "Harper's Weekly" Jan. 3, 1863. Sphere: Related Content