The Sedalia Democrat in 1901 reflected the enthusiasm with which most Sedalians observed Christmas. The Democrat advertised Christmas gifts available at local stores and printed articles suggesting appropriate gifts. Furniture and hardware stores advertised dining room suites, wood and coal-fired stoves, and roasting pans.
Both city and rural schools held programs that generally involved both secular and religious songs and recitations by the students, gift exchanges, and distribution of goodies, usually including hard candy, nuts, and oranges by Santa Claus.
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