WAYNESBOORO- The Renfrew Museum in Waynesboro is set to transport visitors back in time with a special holiday event showcasing Christmas during World War II. “Christmas with the Nicodeumuses: A Wartime 1940’s Holiday” will offer attendees a glimpse into how Americans celebrated the festive season while the nation was at war. Scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 21 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., this immersive presentation will explore the lives of Emma and Edgar Nicodemus, along with other Waynesboro citizens, during the height of World War II. The event aims to illuminate how families maintained cherished Christmas traditions while adapting to wartime challenges.
During World War II, Christmas celebrations underwent significant changes. Many traditional decorations became unavailable, leading to creative alternatives. For instance, the Corning Glass Company repurposed light bulb machines to produce glass Christmas ornaments when imports from Japan and Germany ceased. Food rationing also impacted holiday meals, though some traditions persisted. Even in military settings, traditional items like turkey and pumpkin pie remained on Christmas menus. The war years saw the birth of many beloved Christmas songs, including “White Christmas,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” which captured the sentiments of the time.
The event will be presented by Visitor Experiences Representative Kirsten Lamb and Renfrew Volunteer Sarah Lee. This unique presentation offers a warm and festive way to welcome the holiday season while gaining insight into an important period of American history. Attendees will come away with a deeper appreciation for the resilience and adaptability of Americans during wartime, and how the spirit of Christmas endured even in challenging times.
