Volunteer Recognition Luncheon

In the midst of forging a life in the American West in the 19^th century, people still found ways to celebrate Christmas.  Pioneers, cowboys, and townsfolk insisted on taking the time and making the effort to recognize the Savior’s birth with simple Christmas trees, primitive parties, special foods, and rare socializing.  Christmas gave people a reason to put aside their oftentimes desperate circumstances and dangerous environments to have a little fun and forget about problems—at least for a little while. 

Dr. Sara Jane Richter, Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus from Oklahoma Panhandle State University, details some of the joy western Americans shared and the creativity they utilized to remember the real reason for the holiday season in the far-flung regions of the American West—even in Oklahoma Territory.