Christmas 1916: A 'jubilant' spirit
It is always illuminating to look at our contemporary circumstances through the prism of history.
Therefore, as we celebrate Christmas today, we thought it would be instructive to look back 100 years ago as Kalispell and the nation were about to celebrate their last Christmas in peace before the beginning of the Great War — later known as World War I.
Although the United States did not declare war on Germany until April 6, 1917, there were already many proponents of war at Christmastime. The Lusitania had been sunk 18 months earlier with 128 Americans listed among the dead, and the world seemed all atilt. President Wilson won re-election by campaigning that he had “kept us out of war.” Little did the nation know that within the next two years, more than 117,000 Americans would die as a result of “the war to end all wars.”
But despite the rancor over a recent election, and the fears about what the future might hold, the editor of the Inter Lake waxed philosophical at Christmas in 1916 as editors often do. In looking at the traditions of Christmas, he noted that during this time of year,“We cannot be sour, or irritable or pessimistic.”
While that may be wishful thinking, it does seem like an inspired goal, and so we encourage everyone to put their Grinch behind them and follow the spirit of Christmas as outlined in this Daily Inter Lake editorial from 100 years ago. Elections come and go, and so too do politicians, presidents and protests, but Christmas is forever.
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“Christmas has a spirit all of its own.
“There has never been in all of the annual calendars any time which brings the same spirit, the fellowship, the charity that Christmas brings.
“In a real sense it is a secular, as well as a religious festival, and is the work of the pagan world of ancient Europe, no less than of the Christian church. Its roots run back into the yule of the Teutons and the Scandinavians and into the observance of the birth of Christ.
“Christmas, it is said, ranks third among the church festivals, but has a joyousness peculiarly its own. Far back in history its return has been celebrated with rare rejoicings. Between the fourth and eighth centuries it gathered other festivities, but the Christmas spirit, which had been born soon surpassed all others and at this time of year the festal gowns were more elaborate and rich.
“Hence, sprang the songs of the manger and the beautiful carols and with them came the plays and even the farces or fools’ feasts to celebrate in hilarity the occasion. From the date of its prominence it has enriched life, literature and art as has no other feast day of man.
“We are under the spell of Christmas now. We are buying of the great assortment of gifts as remembrances to friends both near to us and far away. We cannot be sour, or irritable or pessimistic. Through our veins runs the Christmas spirit and it brings smiles, generosity and good will. It produces a sort of vigor that visits us but at this time of year. We are jubilant, elated, and we yield to the spirit rather than follow the rules.
“Friends are now indeed friends and we greet them and remember them and are fond of them as at no other time. It is a season of ideal life and we never regret what the spirit has prompted us to do.”