Christmas during the Civil War served both as an escape from and a reminder of the war which had split the country in two. Soldiers looked forward to a day of rest and relative relaxation but had their moods tempered by the thought of separation from their loved ones. At home, families did their best to celebrate the holiday but wondered when the vacant chair would again be filled. (American Civil War Trust)

In the winter of 1862, the Civil War had now dragged on for more than a year and a half, and some soldiers found themselves spending a second Christmas away from family and friends. Danville, Pennsylvania native Susan Reichen Boardman of the Gettysburg Foundation and Licensed Battlefield Guide, shared this information, which we use with her permission.

"1862 brought forth the war's impact full force with battles at Shiloh, Manassas, and Antietam, and campaigns in the Shenandoah Valley and the Peninsula. Many Fredericksburg, Virginia citizens were homeless or fled their town just prior to Christmas. Thomas Nast's earliest published picture of Santa Claus appeared in the January 3, 1863 edition of Harper's Weekly showing Santa Claus visiting a Civil War Camp. In the background, a sign can be seen that reads "Welcome Santa Claus." The illustration shows Santa handing out gifts to children and soldiers. He is pictured sitting on his sleigh, which is being pulled by reindeer. In the illustration, Santa has a long white beard, a furry hat, a collar, and a belt. The gift he is holding, a puppet on a string, bears the likeness of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy. The political overtones are classic Thomas Nast."

Christmas Eve 1862 found Union Brigadier General John White Geary (later Governor of Pennsylvania) in Fairfax Station, Virginia, nearing the end of his convalescence from a wound he had received at Cedar Mountain in August. He took some time to offer holiday and fatherly advice to his daughter at home in Pennsylvania.

“My Dear Little Pet, on this Christmas Eve I have no doubt you have been enjoying yourself, perhaps with the toys of the season, eaten your nuts and cakes, hung up your stockings in the chimney corner for old Kris Kinkle, when he comes along with his tiny horses "Dunder and Blixen" and his little wagon to fill in lots and gobs of sweet things, sugar, candy sugar plums, and if you please, sugar everything. Well, when I was a little boy, a good many years ago, I was fond of such things myself.  And when I look back, they were indeed the happiest days of my life. Enjoy them my little "Pet"--they come but once. The boys, I mean the two Willies, are getting too old for the enjoyment you can have. When ignorance is bliss `tis folly to be wise. I wish you a Merry Christmas and many of them. I must close. There are a lot of soldiers at my door giving me a serenade and I must give it some attention. Your affectionate Papa.”

Frederick Laubach and other members of the “Baldy Guards” from Montour County’s 93^rd Pennsylvania Regiment, were encamped in the neighborhood of Brandy Station, Virginia in the winter of 1863. Laubach had this diary entry during Christmas of 1863. 

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, December 24, 25, and 26 1863

“The boys of Company H and generally throughout the Regiment was on a general drunk, spending Christmas in the jolly old way. Some fighting in the Regiment. Boys are still on the go for to reenlist again for three years longer. We signed our papers last night. The three last days have been cold and clear. Several express boxes have come. I have a share in one which has not yet arrived yet. I am anxiously looking for it. We had our new flags presented on Christmas day and a very good one that is. The Chaplain presented the flag in behalf of Mr. Coleman, the giver, to Col. Long. An old gentleman from Connecticut by the name of Schuyler being present made a few remarks that shared the boys all up to the highest pitch. The old flag was returned to the giver of the new one, he having asked it in return.”

Many Union soldiers in 1863 received gifts "From Tad Lincoln,” as Tad had been deeply moved by the plight of Union soldiers when he was taken by his father to see them. The gifts were mostly books and clothing. (Wikipedia)

An article in the December 1863 edition of Harper’s Weekly newspaper contained what most certainly were the sentiments of many soldiers, both north and south, who sat in winter camps, or even prison camps, away from their loved ones.

“Even with all the sorrow that hangs, and will forever hang, over so many households; even while war still rages; even while there are serious questions yet to be settled – ought it not to be, and is it not, a Merry Christmas?" Harper's Weekly, December 26, 1863

Credits: American Civil War Trust

Harpers Weekly, January 03, 1863 Page 01

Wikipedia

Frederick Laubach Diary