Spot of Parchment, December 2020: Christmas 1943
On December 24, 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt sat at his desk at Hyde Park and delivered a radio address to the nation. He offered an update on the war, his recent international travels, and diplomatic efforts to strengthen the alliance.
Part way through the message, FDR said,
“And even this year, we still have much to face in the way of further suffering, and sacrifice, and personal tragedy…But, on Christmas Eve this year, I can say to you that at last we may look forward into the future with real, substantial confidence that, however great the cost, "peace on Earth, goodwill toward men" can be and will be realized and ensured. This year, I can say that. Last year, I could not do more than express a hope. Today, I express a certainty, though the cost may be high and the time may be long.
Within the past year, within the past few weeks, history has been made, and it is far better history for the whole human race than any that we have known, or even dared to hope for, in these tragic times through which we pass.”
Prior to the war, the Roosevelts had hosted extravagant parties for the White House staff on December 24, attended tree-lighting ceremonies, and gathered their entire family for gifts, church service, and the annual reading of A Christmas Carol.
FDR Presidential Library
They welcomed guests to see the White House Christmas tree, enjoyed a splendid meal, and sent deliveries to local shelters, charities, and families in need. For example, in 1934, 6,000 presents were delivered to the White House, most of which were food or freshly prepared goods. While the Roosevelts consumed some of the presents, many were gifted to worthy causes. For example, on Christmas Eve 1940, Eleanor Roosevelt distributed 1,500 bags of food and presents to Central Union Mission’s Christmas Party.
FDR Presidential Library
After Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941, the Roosevelts shifted their holiday celebrations. That year, as they did every year doing the war, the Roosevelts limited their Christmas celebrations and tried to model sacrifice for the greater good. For example, FDR had the gifts under the tree placed without wrappings in order to conserve paper. Instead of bulbs on the tree, they decorated it with bright ornaments to save electricity and glass.
The family’s Christmas celebrations during the war were also somewhat diminished by the absence of their four sons, all of whom eventually served in different branches of the military.
FDR Presidential Library
That’s not to say that Christmas didn’t bring special occasions. In December 1941, Prime Minister Winston Churchill visited the White House for Christmas, requiring the Secret Service to up security with such important residents in the Executive Mansion. Churchill arrived on December 22 and stayed for three weeks to plan war strategy with Roosevelt and his military advisors. Churchill set up shop in the Blue Room in the White House, prompting more than a few jokes about the British Prime Minister sleeping in the house once burnt by British soldiers.
FDR Presidential Library
Although Churchill and the Roosevelts enjoyed Christmas together, this holiday was a working one and their advisors spent weeks planning strategy. The war was never far from their minds and Churchill was relieved to know that FDR supported a “Germany First” policy, which meant the U.S. would devote its resources to defeating Nazi Germany, before turning its attention to Imperial Japan.
Two Christmases later, Roosevelt closed out his address with this sentiment, which felt fitting for this year: “Keep us strong in our faith that we fight for a better day for humankind, here and everywhere.”
I imagine your holidays look a little different than in years past, but country has gone through that before. We survived then and we can now too. Wishing you all a happy holiday season, however you may celebrate, and a safe and healthy new year. I think we are all looking forward to a less historic 2021.