Christmas Traditions We Need To Bring Back To Oklahoma

Fun fact: Oklahoma was the very last state to introduce Christmas as a holiday. Maybe that's part of the reason things don't always feel festive this time of year... or maybe it could be the lack of snow or real winter weather until January and February.

Have you ever wondered how they made it feel so festive back in the day here in Oklahoma? Maybe it's time to bring back some old fashioned traditions to bring the spirit of Christmas back to the sooner state.

What Did Christmas In Oklahoma Look Like Back Then?

Christmas back in the day used to look a lot simpler than it does these days. According to livesandlegaciesblog.com, Christmas wasn't even really about children and Santa until later in the 1800s. Before then, Christmas looked like more of a social event for the adults and the one day they could actually relax throughout the year.

@_samanthaclark_ 🌲❤️ real christmas trees >>> #christmas #christmastree #fyp #christmastreefarm #treefarm #christmastraditions #tradition ♬ Christmas Time Is Here - Instrumental / 2022 Mix - Vince Guaraldi Trio

Even one of the interpreters from the Hunter Home agreed that Christmas looked different back then than how we celebrate it today. In an interview with the Talequah Daily Press, Jody Stamper said "Christmas was the one day the workers here got the day off, and it was a big celebration." She described some of the decorations, which were all handmade (of course) and other things that Oklahomans did for the occasion "out of necessity." 

@kristinesummer Listen I KNOW it’s too early for this 🙈 But if you want the cute vintage inspired Christmas decor you gotta shop early. Don’t hate the messenger 😅 And if you love vintage Christmas be sure to stick around til the holidays! I love to decorate - when it’s time of course!! #creatorsearchinsights #vintagechristmas #kitschmas #retro #60s #70s #vintage ♬ Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Darlene Love

She said "Homemade decorations, like dried oranges and hand-sewn stockings, weren’t just beautiful; they were practical and affordable." Judging by how most Oklahomans are getting by this year, I'd venture to say that practical and afforable may not be completely a bad idea.

Most Festive Areas in Oklahoma Now

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Granted, there are quite a few places that don't seem to be in the Christmas Spirit this year. But the most festive areas in Oklahoma are:

• Guthrie
• Oklahoma City
• Chickasha
• Enid
• Tulsa
• Route 66

Many of these areas have lights displays, Christmas events and activities going on nightly, Santa and Mrs. Clause visiting often, sometimes even real reindeer and more. Most importantly, these are going to be the areas in the state you may more than likely run into some old fashioned traditions like the ones we should bring back, listed below.