Lincoln Discussion Symposium

There's a pamphlet here which mentions Mary Lincoln buying handkerchiefs on Christmas Eve, apparently for presents.

https://www.nps.gov/liho/upload/Holiday-...d-Back.pdf

In a letter to Eliza Slataper on December 13, 1868, Mary mentions that Tad had some "Christmas remembrances" for Eliza's daughter and a Mrs. Gross that she hoped he would have the opportunity to send.

(12-28-2016 08:43 PM)Susan Higginbotham Wrote: [ -> ]There's a pamphlet here which mentions Mary Lincoln buying handkerchiefs on Christmas Eve, apparently for presents.

https://www.nps.gov/liho/upload/Holiday-...d-Back.pdf

In a letter to Eliza Slataper on December 13, 1868, Mary mentions that Tad had some "Christmas remembrances" for Eliza's daughter and a Mrs. Gross that she hoped he would have the opportunity to send.

Great research, Susan. This is more in line with my thinking on the Christmas spirit of Mary Lincoln. I just have to surmise that she practiced quiet Christmas giving while First Lady due to the devastation of the war surrounding them.

I would think the same, Laurie. I think especially Mary and Tad enjoyed giving others, and that this was perhaps what Xmas meant to them rather than celebrating themselves. Just a feeling.