Delaware at Christmas : The First State in a Merry State by Dave Tabler
Genre: Christmas
Explore the rich tapestry of holiday traditions that have shaped the First State’s festive season across the centuries. From colonial customs to modern-day celebrations, “Delaware at Christmas” unwraps the fascinating stories behind the state’s most cherished Yuletide practices.
Discover how Delaware’s diverse communities have contributed to its unique holiday landscape:
Uncover the origins of iconic traditions like the Wilmington mummer’s parade and beach town “Christmas in July” festivities
Learn about the evolution of holiday decorations, from simple colonial adornments to elaborate Victorian displays
Explore the influence of immigrant communities, including Polish, Italian, and Hispanic holiday customs
Delve into forgotten practices like the holly wreath industry that once thrived in southern Delaware
Examine how wartime and economic shifts shaped Christmas observances throughout the state’s history
Filled with captivating anecdotes, historical photographs, and little-known facts, this book offers a comprehensive look at how Delawareans have celebrated the holiday season from the 17th century to the present day. Whether you’re a history buff, a holiday enthusiast, or simply curious about Delaware’s cultural heritage, this meticulously researched volume provides a joyous journey through time.
“Delaware at Christmas” is an essential addition to any First State bookshelf, offering:
In-depth exploration of religious and secular holiday traditions
Profiles of notable Delawareans who influenced Christmas customs
Insights into how national trends and local innovations shaped Delaware’s experiences
A treasure trove of holiday memories from generations of Delaware families
Unwrap the magic of Delaware’s Christmas past and present with this definitive guide to the state’s holiday history. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a curious visitor, “Delaware at Christmas” promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the First State’s joyous spirit. Buy “Delaware at Christmas” today and embark on a joyful exploration of holiday traditions in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic!
About Author
Ten year old Dave Tabler decided he was going to read the ‘R’ volume from the family’s World Book Encyclopedia set over summer vacation. He never made it from beginning to end. He did, however, become interested in Norman Rockwell, rare-earth elements, and Run for the Roses.
Tabler’s father encouraged him to try his hand at taking pictures with the family camera. With visions of Rockwell dancing in his head, Tabler press-ganged his younger brother into wearing a straw hat and sitting next to a stream barefoot with a homemade fishing pole in his hand. The resulting image was terrible.
Dave Tabler went on to earn degrees in art history and photojournalism despite being told he needed a ‘Plan B.’
Fresh out of college, Tabler contributed the photography for “The Illustrated History of American Civil War Relics,” which taught him how to work with museum curators, collectors, and white cotton gloves. He met a man in the Shenandoah Valley who played the musical saw, a Knoxville fellow who specialized in collecting barbed wire, and Tom Dickey, brother of the man who wrote ‘Deliverance.’
In 2006 Tabler circled back to these earlier encounters with Appalachian culture as an idea for a blog. AppalachianHistory.net today reaches 375,000 readers a year.
Dave Tabler moved to Delaware in 2010 and became smitten with its rich past. He no longer copies Norman Rockwell, but his experience working with curators and collectors came in handy when he got the urge to photograph a love letter to Delaware’s early heritage. This may be the start of something.
Delaware at Christmas: The First State In A Merry State by Dave Tabler is a book full of information on all the different Christmas traditions in Delaware, from the religious ones to ones that are more unique to the state. It was interesting how other cultures and religions adapted certain traditions from one another and made them their own. It was very interesting to learn when the invention of certain products we use during the holidays were invented ,what the meaning behind the usage of them in this state was. The only thing that drove me bananas about the book is that a lot of chapters continue at the end of the book. I do not understand why, I guess to make the book flow better. It was annoying to me. I really enjoyed this book & need to look into more books like this one for sure. If you are a Christmas fanatic or someone into history, this one is for you.Click here to get your own copy.
Links to Delaware at Christmas
Giveaway!!
Author-Signed copy of DELAWARE AT CHRISTMAS/ THE FIRST STATE IN A MERRY STATE (one winner) (USA only) (ends Nov 14) Here 
Sarcastically Yours, Jen 
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