The celebration of Christmas varies in regions, counties, nationalities and families throughout Pennsylvania. In Schuylkill County in the 19^th century, many of the festivities centered on activities and traditions brought to America from those with German heritage.

A 1935 history of Schuylkill County recounted how the German Palatinates, who settled in Pine Grove—incorporated in 1832—celebrated Christmas in the 1800s.

“Christmastide, with its warm spirit of fellowship, the renewal of old friendships, and the display of generosity and jollity, has always been the outstanding holiday season among the people of Pine Grove. Its observance from the days of the early settlements has been carried out each year by faithfully reviving the charming traditions associated with "Bell Schnickel" and "Kriss Kringle”. “Until recent years, the youth found romantic interest in the stories of the "Bell Schnickel," the bearded Nicholas who punished all bad boys and girls on Christmas Eve, and "Kriss Kringle," the jolly benefactor of all good children. These traditional characters, who figured so largely in German folklore, acquired new significance with the sons and daughters of the first settlers of Pine Grove. The dreaded Nicholas became more mellowed, and, in the person of the "Belsnickel," personified a daring and recklessness that typified the carefree youth of the frontier. It is in this role that he has been familiar to generations of people in Pinegrove. The "Bell-Schnickel" in the days before the modern Santa Claus acquired supremacy in the lore of Christmastide, was usually impersonated by the fathers of children, but custom soon forced the role on young men, who made up parties of mummers in bearded disguise. These groups went from house to house calling on the children to give an account of themselves, and then rewarding them with nuts and candies. For the benefit of the elders, they indulged in antics that provided happy entertainment.

“The most popular hero of youth was Kriss Kringle. Around him, children built their hopes for reward on Christmas day. To many a boy and girl who lived in Pinegrove during the early years of the township and borough, Kriss Kringle was the essence of goodness. He personified the Christ child and was esteemed for his kindness to children. Time invoked changes, and the traditional figures of the Christmastide gave way to modern Santa Claus. Much that was associated with Kriss Kringle is now embodied in our modern Santa Claus.

“Families in Pine Grove have always made much of the Christmas holiday. The Christmas tree, cut in neighboring forests, the garlands of holly from Rausch Gap and ropes of laurel, woven by youthful hands, decorated the home for the festive season. In the early years, decorations for the tree were fashioned by the children of the household, who displayed great ingenuity and artistry.

“When fireplaces were common, it was the custom to bring in the Yule log, to add joy and light to the family gathering at the fireside. In the glow of its kindly light, children gathered in front of their father to listen to the marvelous tale of "Bell Snickel" and “Kriss Kringle.” In years after, the Christmas tree was the center of great attention, and much time and great care was taken in  its adornment. Friendly rivalry existed amongst the townsfolks in their attempts to make the tree an object of interest and splendor.

“The Christmas stocking was usually hung in the "sitting room" near the stove, and  early on Christmas morning there was a restless patter of children's feet in their upstairs bedroom, betraying a curiosity and excitement that only belief in Santa Claus could produce. With the dawn of day, the children, accompanied by their par-ents, went downstairs to see what “Santa had brought." Christmas morning was an occasion of great celebration  and hectic excitement. Groups of children went from house to house, sometimes to exchange gifts, but more frequently to "see the Christmas tree" and the Christmas gifts. Christmas dinner in Pine Grove houses is of traditional interest. It is the one day in the year when sons and daughters gather with parents and relatives to enjoy the congenial companionship of the home fireside.

“The best culinary efforts of the household have always been called forth to produce the bounteous menu of roast turkey, mashed potato, fried sweet potato, beans, corn, peas, and the famed pumpkin pies and puddings.

“Work in town and country is always suspended for the day. In the country, only the chores are done during Christmas week, while families make a round of visits to friends and relatives. On Christmas Day in the early years, this section was partly given to devotion, and services were held in the churches to commemorate the birth of Christ. This custom continued with the organization of Sunday schools, but in the early seventies the services were gradually revised, and the day was devoted to a celebration for children. Programs of Christmas entertainment were provided, which subsequently grew into pretentious Christmas plays or cantatas. For nearly fifty years, these have been the vogue. A custom of large significance to children, and one that revives tender memories of youth in many of the older people in the community, is that of distributing packages of candy and oranges to the Sunday School members on Christmas day. Christmas week during the three last decades of the 19th century was a continuous holiday for the young men and women of the community. It was made up of a round of social activities. Skating at the canal basin, coasting, sleighing parties, dances and suppers provided an abundance of delightful entertainment, which usually terminated in festive welcome to the new year.

“Among the superstitious, the legendary lore of the Christmastide aroused unfailing interest. It was a season of mystic communion with spirits. Many good folks contended with great faith that people properly sanctified could converse with the animals if they went to the barns at midnight on Christmas Eve. Stories of such accomplishments were credited to members of the community and were believed by trusting folks. It was also believed that at the hour of twelve on Christmas eve the animals dropped to their knees in solemn reverence to God.”

Pine Grove’s celebration of Christmas is just one of the many stories found in communities throughout Pennsylvania.