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Author Tabler pays homage to the culturally and geographically diverse participants in the formation of Delaware as seen from the fascinating viewpoint of Christmas celebrations. These traditions, many of which are still extant, were derived from voluntary, determined adventurers from Europe and Latin America, native peoples, and African slave populations. Delaware, America's first state, was originally colonized by Dutch settlers in 1631. That group revered the Christmas season as personified by the virtues of the generous, caring, and sharing St. Nicholas. Swedish colonists followed soon after, and though they sought dominance, the Dutch prevailed in control of the territory. Yet the Swedes would soon build a church, still standing in Wilmington, preserving, among other treasures, relics of the pageant known as Luciafest, homage to a stalwart female whose aura represented the onset of winter.
French Huguenots, fleeing religious turmoil, were attracted to fertile farmland and carried forward such Christmas customs as "giving lasting gifts." Germans would adhere to the Advent season by ceremonially enjoying flavorful coffee and spicy foods. Black slaves arriving in 1639 settled in communities that portended and would exemplify the customs of Black churches throughout the United States. Immigrants came from Poland in the early 1900s in search of better living conditions, bringing with them a bounty of carol singing and a special wafer symbolizing the necessity for the forgiveness that the Yule season evoked. Scots-Irish Protestants contributed a variety of celebratory influences, including hymns and stories, while Orthodox Christians, Italians, and the mid-twentieth-century incursion and spread of the Hispanic population brought perspectives unique to their countries of origin. Widely acceptable pleasures entwined with the season, including the drinking of eggnog, which was a medicinal concoction in its original form, the cheerful tinkle of sleigh bells, and the many culinary delights like fruitcake and plum pudding.
As informative as the text that Tabler has conscientiously arrayed are the complementary illustrations offered to his readers. A wide range of color photographs gives helpful insight into the interiors and artifacts of buildings described in the narratives. Black and white photography from earlier times depicts such intriguing customs as mumming (celebrants disguised in wild costumes and performing dance and other entertainments), along with drawings, and even cartoons. All of these will undoubtedly pique and satisfy the curiosity of Tabler's audience. Tabler, who has written previous First State works, such as Delaware Before the Railroads and Delaware from Freeways to E-Ways, expertly highlights here the region's seasonal and spiritual history and cultural expansion, offering readers his well-organized prose and a large selection of fascinating visual accompaniments. His diligent citations of sources include materials from both verbal and visual sources from established educational groups and institutions, providing readers with further underpinning of credibility. In a second segment of this enjoyably informative collection, "Chapter Continuations," Tabler brings his subject into modern perspective with lengthy notes adding current terminologies and recent relevant events as further support to his historical information. Readers, particularly those dwelling in today's First State, will undoubtedly consume, concur, and cherish Tabler's imaginative assemblage of facts and feelings that this special volume provides.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
A 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award Nominee