Christmas and wintertime in much of western media is depicted in a snow-covered glory that (let’s face it) is not likely to happen here in Oklahoma. And though living in delusion isn’t something we should do all the time, I do think this year the winter holidays may be best spent trying to capture that snow-filled spirit of fictional days of yore.
To begin the journey into your holiday land of delusion, the first stop is a trip to the archives. Working with The Gateway to Oklahoma History newspaper archives, which are freely accessible to everyone, as well as seeking the assistance of our Special Collections department for photos of campus with snow and general Christmas vibes, I was able to collect some advertisements and photos that really make Christmastime seem magical.
After gathering the ephemera, it was time to browse and disconnect, allowing myself to get lost in the bliss of “simpler times.” Now, there’s of course no way to definitively say that the old days were better (because in many ways they weren’t), but I do think holiday cheer had a palpable weight of significance. Bringing people together with fewer distractions, there’s no denying that these pre-modern tech holidays were something magical.
These old newspaper ads seem so full of cheer and innocence. In place of holiday-sale price tags, and the overconsumption of food and goods, you’re instead greeted by a reindeer wishing you happy holidays, Santa's with rosy cheeks, and people smiling because this holiday is about to replenish their hope and goodwill.
Please enjoy some of my favorites from the past.
With no real way to date these photos with 100% accuracy, these snapshots take on an air of wonder. You can look at these and shiver feeling the chill in the air, can smell the metallic, almost ozone scent of winter, and permit yourself to daydream of what you would have done in that time and space. Would you be near a fire, losing your troubles to a classic story? Maybe you would be stopping every spare moment to marvel at the silence unique to a winter night? Perhaps you and friends would be playing games and talking until first light?
Enjoy some of my favorite shots from the Special Collections archive.
I hope you’re able to find time and peace in this holiday season to reflect on your place in the world. Happy holidays!
