Taylor’s book, “A Fireside Book, or, The Account of a Christmas Spent at Old Court” (1828) is definitely a collector’s item, having been published in London only nine years after Alabama entered the Union.

Dec 25, 1872—The poem “Christmas Morning” by Edward Moxon is called to mind by some on this holy day: “And may this day of all the year the best and holiest appear; and mid our deep affliction sew the bliss unmerited below, which Christ descended to bestow.”

Dec. 25, 1906—The holiday festivities opened up tonight as the lads and lassies of the town gathered en masse at the residence of Dr. and Mrs. W. A. Barclift. The well-lighted parlors were artistically decorated with holly and mistletoe—true emblems of Christmastide. Formality was cast aside and each and every one entered with hearty zest into the enjoyment of the evening.

Dec. 25, 1907–Some booklovers here were fortunate enough to receive a book appropriate both for Yuletide today and in one week, “A Christmas and New Year’s Gift.”

Dec. 25, 1910–Christmas here was opened and closed without any mishap of any kind. The day was generally quietly observed and no disturbance of any sort was reported. Most of the stores were closed in order to give the employees a chance to take a holiday. All the stores report a most prosperous trade and the stocks of holiday goods were sold practically out.

Dec. 25, 1924–Christmas was generally observed here and all stores were closed for the day. Notwithstanding the cold rain all day Wednesday, the streets were crowded with shoppers, and business was reported good.

Dec. 25, 1930--At the prisons over the state, the annual bountiful Christmas dinner was served today–”turkey ‘n fixings” for all.

Dec. 25, 1932—By order of Governor William E. Miller the State Capitol is closed today. It was closed yesterday, Christmas Eve, and will remain closed tomorrow as well.

Dec. 25, 1946–Friends and loved ones of little Hoyett May are sorry to learn that he is spending his Christmas in bed because of scarlet fever.

Dec. 25, 1948–The Howard Goodman family of Dyersburg, Tenn., was presented in concert at the Collins Schoolhouse on this Christmas night. (This singing group later became known as the Happy Goodman Family and relocated to Kentucky.)

Dec. 25, 1955—Local viewers were treated to many wonderful Christmas programs on Channel 23 today, including a special GE Theatre presentation hosted by Ronald Reagan.

Dec. 25, 1960—Dr. Charles O. Moore, superintendent of the Decatur district of the Methodist church, delivered the Christmas message at today’s First Methodist service. Tonight the pastor, the Rev. S. E. Paulk, spoke on “The Redeeming Love of Christ” and there was a candlelight communion service. At West Hartselle Baptist, Rev. John Ingouf, the pastor, had as his topic, “His Birthday in His House.”

Dec. 25, 1962—Christmas 1962 was said to have been one of the most peaceful internationally in recent memory. Although the Cold War is about the same, actual fighting between and among peoples around the globe is absent.

Dec. 25, 1962—Hartselle had a little bit of a white Christmas today. Some of the snow that fell on Christmas Eve was evident on Christmas Day despite rain and a warming trend. Most people living in Hartselle can’t recall a really white Yuletide and said that the patches of snow still visible today approximated it as much as anything they had ever previously experienced.

Dec. 25, 2002—Brittany McCoy, age 11, daughter of Jim and Tammy McCoy, received her first horse, Spirit, this Christmas. Now, Lauren, 7, is wanting her own horse as well—although she realizes she’ll probably have to wait a few years.