The Agassiz-Harrison Observer has teamed up with the Agassiz-Harrison Museum to bring you a three-part mini series looking in to the history of holiday celebrations local to the area.
In this edition, we bring you excerpts from our archives for a glimpse into Christmases past.
1947 – Gifts for Him
Smoker’s stand
Pen and pencil set
Shaving set
Shirt with matching tie and socks
Smoking jacket
Bedroom slippers
Pullover sweater
Pipe
Billfold
Tools
Flash bulb attachment for his camera
1947 – Gifts for Her
Sheer nylons in the newest dark shades
Lingerie
Costume jewellery
Perfume
An attractive piece of pottery or Wedgewood
Set of matched pictures
Automatic toaster
Pair of figurines
Small radio (for kitchen listening)
Subscription to any popular women’s magazine
December 18, 1991 – 30 years ago
Lights to be judged
Judging of the District of Kent decorations will take place tomorrow evening. To ensure your decorations are judged, please contact the Kent Municipal Hall.
Participants of the Leisure Services Lights Tour will serve as judges. They will be looking at originality, creativity, effort and the overall presentation of decorations when making their decisions.
First place in each division (residential, commercial, open) will receive $50, a plaque and their name engraved on the perpetual trophy displayed in the Municipal Office.
November 29, 2006 – 15 years ago
Harrison Festival of Lights and Trees
The inaugural Festival of Lights drew a number of participants and spectators, including the preschool (in Harrison Hot Springs) and the Red Hat Ladies. Mayor Leo Facio of Harrison Hot Springs was a definite hit. Not only did he head some of the carol singing, he also handed out baskets of candy to the children during the parade.
All the businesses that participated in decorating their unique creations. From gold cutlery, Pharmasave products to trendy clothes on trees, each had a story all its own to tell.
The Festival of Lights and Trees ended with an incredible fireworks display and all the organizers went home happy.
On many occasions throughout the year we have opportunities to express our gratitude for the many blessings of this life, none are more appropriate than at Christmas time when a full and wholesome spirit of good fellowship is uppermost in everyone.
It is a time of merry making and also one of family reunion and happiness. It has been in the past and always will be one time in the year when hatchets may be buried and forgotten, being replaced with a genuine friendliness toward your enemy.
— Excerpt from a Christmas editorial, 1947