Britain at War
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Christmas Under Fire
World War Two spanned five Christmases. The war had a direct influence on British traditions and festivities. Working for enhanced production signalled the end of summer holidays, Guy Fawkes night fell short of blackout regulations and Easter eggs were nowhere to be seen anymore... But Christmas survived, by the skin of its teeth.
Christmas 1939
The first wartime Christmas was affected by restrictions and new regulations but spirits were still high and spending was rife. Traditional shop window displays were hidden by blast tape while twinkling lights in living room windows were forbidden by blackout regulations but food was still plentiful. Rationing was planned for January so many families splashed out with every intention of making the most of it. However, families split by distance felt the difference: children evacuated to the countryside, young men in France and relatives immobilised by travel limitations.
Most popular gifts in 1939
Children received miniature uniforms such as that of the Red Cross, the RAF or the navy. New card games in stores included 'Blackout' and 'Evacuation', meanwhile adults preferred more practical gifts such as Bakelite helmets, leather gas mask cases and French food products which often arrived from the troops over the channel.
Christmas 1944
The last Christmas of the war was probably the saddest. News from the front dashing all hopes that hostilities would be over by Christmas. On Christmas Eve that year, 30 Doodlebugs hit the north of England but, on the positive side, blackout restrictions were relaxed as the threat from other aircraft dwindled. Churches and windows were illuminated for the first time in four years.
1944 Gifts
The Ministry of Food increased rations of sweets, sugar and meat that Christmas and families did their best to scrape together tasty gifts. Homemade presents were the only option with sweets being the most popular. Creative parents also recycled clothes and stockings to manufacture toys and dolls for the children.
Rationing misery
Some shops had just three Christmas puddings and 800 registered customers in 1943.
The most popular gift in 1940 was soap!
Only one family in ten would receive a turkey or goose for their Christmas dinner in 1943.
By 1944 major cities had practically run out of alcohol.
The Ministry of Food issued instructions on how to decorate your home without fruit but with veg instead!
The first wartime Christmas was affected by restrictions and new regulations but spirits were still high and spending was rife. Traditional shop window displays were hidden by blast tape while twinkling lights in living room windows were forbidden by blackout regulations but food was still plentiful. Rationing was planned for January so many families splashed out with every intention of making the most of it. However, families split by distance felt the difference: children evacuated to the countryside, young men in France and relatives immobilised by travel limitations.
Most popular gifts in 1939
Children received miniature uniforms such as that of the Red Cross, the RAF or the navy. New card games in stores included 'Blackout' and 'Evacuation', meanwhile adults preferred more practical gifts such as Bakelite helmets, leather gas mask cases and French food products which often arrived from the troops over the channel.
Christmas 1944
The last Christmas of the war was probably the saddest. News from the front dashing all hopes that hostilities would be over by Christmas. On Christmas Eve that year, 30 Doodlebugs hit the north of England but, on the positive side, blackout restrictions were relaxed as the threat from other aircraft dwindled. Churches and windows were illuminated for the first time in four years.
1944 Gifts
The Ministry of Food increased rations of sweets, sugar and meat that Christmas and families did their best to scrape together tasty gifts. Homemade presents were the only option with sweets being the most popular. Creative parents also recycled clothes and stockings to manufacture toys and dolls for the children.
Rationing misery
Some shops had just three Christmas puddings and 800 registered customers in 1943.
The most popular gift in 1940 was soap!
Only one family in ten would receive a turkey or goose for their Christmas dinner in 1943.
By 1944 major cities had practically run out of alcohol.
The Ministry of Food issued instructions on how to decorate your home without fruit but with veg instead!
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