Christmas celebrations in America took place long before the

Christmas celebrations in America took place long before the white man’s arrival. The Indians of Alaska had a “potlatch” feast every year around the time of the winter solstice in early January. “Potlatch” was a stew of moose and bear meat served from a common pot. Every family arrived bringing bowls and plates, even for the absent men. Following the feast, they danced in costumes and strange masks. Just before the year ended, all the villagers would scrub the floors of all their public buildings.

As Columbus was searching for the Spice Islands on Dec. 24, 1492, the Santa Maria ran aground off the coast of Santo Domingo. Columbus and his crew were saved by the Indian natives, and on Christmas Day they feasted with the Chief. In honor of Christmas and in thanksgiving for the rescue, he built a fortress which he named “La Navidad,” meaning Nativity.

The first notable Christmas in the United States was celebrated by the Jamestown settlers. In fact, before they reached their new world, Christmas cheered them on their journey for they planned to sail for the Virginia Colony on Christmas Eve of 1606. However, bad weather kept them in port until New Year’s Day of 1607. Thus they faced a New Year and Neyv World at once.

By Christmas of 1607, the 40 remaining settlers of the original 100 looked back on a year of hardship and dismay. Famine, disease, quarrels and mutiny had reduced their number. John Smith was captured and his companions slain during a com trading expedition with the Indians. The colonists’ relief ship of supplies was a month overdue. Still the colonists assembled before their Church of England altar in their meager wooden chapel. Communion wine had been preserved. They heard the ancient message — “For unto you is bom this day in the City of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord” — and closed with prayers for preservation.