Christmas with the Lincoln family in Springfield

[RJNorton]

Isn't there a reference to him enjoying pulling children of the neighborhood in wagons in good weather?

Yes, I believe Jean Baker, for one, mentions this.

[Eva Elisabeth]

I just cannot imagine long, tall Lincoln mastering ice skates!

Didn't he always put down the entire foot at once when walking instead "rolling" it down from heel to the toes? So he was well-prepared for ice-skating, that's exactly how it works!

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Oh, and sure they loved snowball fights!

[L Verge]

This Southern gal has never put on ice skates and never intends to. Tried roller skates once or twice and decided that, if the good lord had intended for me to roll around on wheels, he would have made me that way. The only wheels I trust are on bikes and cars. Same thoughts about ice skates.

As for the Lincolns, I wonder if board games kept them occupied?

[Donna McCreary]

As a young girl, one of Mary's chores was to knit 10 rounds of stocking every night before bed. Perhaps in Springfield she continued to knit and made socks for her family. Regarding whether or not Mary made her clothing, the answer is yes. In an interview, Mary's sister recalled how Mary made all of the clothing for the children and for herself and was one of the finest dressed ladies in Springfield.

[Eva Elisabeth]

This Southern gal has never put on ice skates and never intends to. Tried roller skates once or twice and decided that, if the good lord had intended for me to roll around on wheels, he would have made me that way. The only wheels I trust are on bikes and cars. Same thoughts about ice skates.

As for the Lincolns, I wonder if board games kept them occupied?

(Ice skating is almost the only good thing in winter...) A. Lincoln did play chess. Tad once kicked the board on the floor when his father was playing chess with Judge Treat instead of coming home for dinner. I think I read the boys, at least Willie and Tad, played chess, too, but right now I can't recall where I read this (if).

[Eva Elisabeth]

Just came across this: One of Abraham Lincoln's chess sets is displayed in the Smithsonian, and he bought a chess set for his son Tad, which is on display at the National Museum of American History.

Today he would perhaps buy one of these sets for Tad:
http://woodexpressions.com/blog/abraham-...war-chess/

[Rob Wick]

Saw this the other day. Be sure and check out the link at the bottom of the page for more detailed information.

Best
Rob

http://www.nps.gov/liho/planyourvisit/ev...744-206081

[Eva Elisabeth]

Nice link, Rob! Some interesting background info about traditions in those days! And it seems we did quite well, the only other real Lincoln-source provided there despite the same shopping list Roger posted is that of the kids hanging the stockings!

[Mylye2222]

I can see Mr. Lincoln doing that.

I second That!! I can also perfectly picture him engaging in snowball fights with his boys and other's children!

[LincolnMan]

And building snowmans!