History of Christmas Toys

Regardless of the generation, everyone has a memory of a favourite toy received at Christmas. Whether the gift was brought by St. Nicholas, Christkindl or Santa Claus, its memory rekindles recollections of the joy and excitement that children experience at Christmas. The Bible tells us that the Magi, or Wise Men, brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh upon the birth of Jesus. But when did other children start receiving gifts, particularly toys, at Christmas?

St. Nicholas was known in his lifetime for his generosity, in particular giving gifts to people in need and he is the patron saint of children – so he is credited with beginning the practice. But it’s not obvious from the historical record when people started to give gifts to children at Christmas; in about the year 400 it was noted in a church sermon that gift-giving was making children selfish so it had begun at least by then. Gifts for children were being given in Medieval Europe. A list of possible gifts for German children includes money, sweets, fruit, and dolls. clothes, books and a Bible.

Advertising for Christmas gifts, especially for children, began in the 1700s. Before the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s, most toys were hand-made but by the 1860s store-bought toys, made in factories, became the norm. And in North America, by the end of the 1800s, toys could be chosen and purchased from mail-order catalogues such as T. Eaton & Co.

Want to reminisce about toys that you or your grandparents wished for or received as a child? Ask your local library to borrow:

Under the Tree: The Toys and Treats that Made Christmas Special, 1930-1965, written by Susan Waggoner, published by Harry N. Abrams in 2007.

Dear Santa: Children’s Christmas Letters and Wish Lists, 1870-1920, published by Chronicle Books in 2015.

Word of the Day

Räuchermännchen

Wooden smoker man

Meet The Grand Philharmonic Youth & Children's Choirs

Today's Concert features their performances at Christkindl Market in 2019

The Grand Philharmonic Children’s Choir

The Grand Philharmonic Children’s choir was founded in 1987 and has since been recognized for its excellence in tone and musicianship. This youthful choir provides an opportunity for children to learn a variety of types of music from classical to folk music, to modern music that is representative of many countries and cultures. The children receive training in music literacy, voice production, vocal and choral techniques and personal development. Many singers remain with the Children’s choir throughout their school years. The choir is directed by Andrea DeBoer-Jones.

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Get in touch or learn more by visiting their website.

Baking with Mrs. Claus!

Free virtual event!

Saturday, December 12, 2020, 10 am - 11 am

Join our very special guest, Mrs. Claus for a special edition of Kids in the Kitchen with Chef Nicole! Watch live on the City of Kitchener Facebook page as Mrs. Claus and Chef Nicole show you how to make the perfect sugar cookies, ready for decorating. Mrs. Claus will also be sharing some of her favourite holiday stories. Keep those tasty holiday traditions alive with the Christkindl and Kitchener Markets! And don’t forget to show us how they turn out! Post to social media using the hashtag #ChristkindlCA and #KitchenerMarket.

For more information about this free online event, visit the Kitchener Market's website.  

Shop Toys - for Girls and Boys!