Delaware at Christmas: The First State in a Merry State - Book Review

Author Dave Tabler, a historian of Delaware, combines his expertise in art history and photojournalism to present another fascinating book about his beloved state. His latest work, Delaware at Christmas: The First State in a Merry State, reflects Delaware's rich history, of its Christmas celebrations brought to life with beautiful illustrations. History buffs, historians, and readers who are intrigued by the magic of the many Christmas celebrations practiced today will be fascinated by this nonfiction treatise.

Tabler traces 400 years of Delaware's history, from the colonial influences of Swedish, Dutch, and English settlers to later waves of Irish, Polish, and Hispanic immigrants. It also explores Civil War-era Christmas traditions and their impact on African Americans. The commingling of ethnicities, cultures, and religions throughout the state’s development led to many Christmas season celebrations that have endured to contemporary times.  With the addition of numerous selected archived artifacts, Tabler’s carefully researched historical information induces a feeling of Christmas magic and wonder in the reader. By showcasing these transformations, Tabler provides a vivid illustration of how Christmas traditions adapted to societal changes while preserving their core essence of togetherness and joy.

Reaching back into Delaware's precolonial times, the Nativity story was celebrated with fasting and feasting, unique rituals and traditions often based on superstition, folklore and fables.

His excellent research and narrative writing allows readers to experience  Christmas season traditions from Advent through Epiphany.  Festivals, family and friends come together to worship, sing hymns and go caroling. Tabler elaborates on the development of traditions such as gift giving, toy trains under a decorated tree and special foods and drinks. He brings tradition up to date with Kwanzaa.

The author's meticulous research and engaging narrative guide readers through Christmas traditions from Advent to Epiphany. He describes how festivals, family gatherings, hymn singing, and caroling evolved. Tabler explores the origins of customs like gift-giving, toy trains under Christmas trees, and seasonal foods and drinks, while also addressing modern traditions such as Kwanzaa. He delves into the history and evolution of these customs, providing a deeper understanding of the significance behind them.

The true spirit of Christmas is intertwined with magical folklore, emphasizing kindness, generosity, and hospitality. The origins of certain terms and how they’ve evolved over time are fascinating. Who would have guessed that eggnog traces back to a drink referred to as “syllabub” or “under the cow”?

Tabler's narrative highlights the balance between preserving heritage and adapting to cultural change, as well as how deep spiritual meanings have been overshadowed by modern commercialism. It’s a valuable resource for history teachers, offering insights not only into Christmas traditions during the holidays but also into the historical settlement of Delaware, which parallels the development of other early colonies.

In addition to its historical significance, Delaware at Christmas: The First State in a Merry State offers a glimpse into this melting pot of cultures that has resulted in unique holiday traditions that have been passed down for generations. This makes a great gift for Delawareans, celebrating their vibrant state and its history, or as a coffee table book for the Christmas season.