The Bridge Street History Center

What Was Christmas Like in Hood County Over 100 Years Ago?

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Christmas in Hood County was a quieter, more personal occasion than it is today. As Granbury and the surrounding countryside grew, the holiday gradually shifted from a modest observance into a more family-centered celebration.For many Hood County families, Christmas offered a welcome pause from long days of farm work, ranching, and small-town labor. It was a time to slow down, gather at home, and focus on faith, family, and community.Railroads reaching nearby towns made travel easier, allowing relatives who had moved away for work to return home for the holidays, though many celebrations still happened close to home, often within walking or wagon distance.By the late 1800s, Christmas trees began appearing in some Hood County homes, churches, and schools. Borrowed from German traditions, these trees were decorated simply with candles, fruit, popcorn strings, sweets, and handmade ornaments.The image of Santa Claus we recognize today also began taking shape during this era, influenced by popular illustrations that gave him his familiar red suit and friendly appearance.Christmas cards became more common as printing and postage grew more affordable, allowing families to send holiday greetings to loved ones near and far.Christmas meals depended largely on a family’s means. While wealthier households might serve turkey, many Hood County families enjoyed simpler meals made from what they raised or preserved themselves.A century ago, Christmas looked very different depending on a family’s circumstances. The children pictured in many historic photographs were often from well-to-do families. Wealthier children might receive store-bought dolls, books, or toys, while others were grateful for small treats like apples, nuts, or homemade gifts.Yet for many in Hood County, the true spirit of Christmas wasn’t found in what was under the tree, but in togetherness, tradition, and gratitude.📷AI Enhanced SMU Digital Libraries ... See MoreSee Less

In the 1950s, children across America (including right here in Granbury!) were unwrapping a brand new kind of play, the colorful “modeling compound” that started as wallpaper cleaner before finding its true purpose under the Christmas tree.

With its clean, non-toxic formula and that unforgettable scent, Play-Doh became a holiday favorite for sparking creativity from rolling tiny snowmen to shaping cowboy hats and toy cars like the little girl in this vintage photo.Do you remember opening a can of Play-Doh on Christmas morning and that aroma? 🎁 ... See MoreSee Less