Christmas in a One-Room Schoolhouse

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Christmas in a One-Room Schoolhouse.

From the journal of Uncle Leif (Mother’s youngest brother)

Preparations for the Christmas concert often started the first week of November. It was a big undertaking for the teacher to maintain the regular school classes plus organize the rehearsals for the concert.

I remember one teacher who broke down and cried because of the lack of progress made by students in learning their parts.

A temporary stage was erected out of railroad ties and box-car, grain-bin panels. One of the area farmers hauled the ties and panels from the local grain elevator with a team and hay rack.

On the day of the concert, students’ desks were placed at the back of the one-room school. Next the old wooden benches stored in the basement were brought up, dusted off and placed in rows. Gas lamps were filled with fuel and the mantles checked. A large spruce tree was set up and decorated.

Finally, everything was ready for the big event.

The old schoolhouse was packed to overflowing.

With all the students on the stage, the concert opened with O Canada and a selection of Christmas Carols. Then followed plays, even some years, Dicken’s Christmas Carol. The student with the best memory would have the part of Scrooge.

Interspersed throughout were individual recitations, singing and the playing of musical instruments.

Even though the parts were often delivered in a monologue with little expression, the audience, sprinkled with adoring parents, applauded with enthusiasm.

The highlight of the evening was the visit from Santa Claus carrying a large bag of toys for all the students and pre-school children. Each student, as well as many visiting children, received a bag of candy and nuts, as well as an apple, and a Japan-grown orange available only at Christmas. What a treat!

Following the concert, the adults removed the stage and most of the benches in preparation for the dance.

Music was supplied by any locals who played an instrument. Everyone, including the children, had a great time dancing or just bouncing around to the beat of the music.

At midnight or later, lunch brought by the ladies, was served.

Finally, babies who had been sleeping on piles of clothes were dressed.

Families gathered themselves together for the trip home—tired by happy.

Nothing could compare to Christmas time in a one-room school!