It was clear that the Coolidges kept Christmas in an exceptionally special way. The President described the occasion in his Autobiography, “Christmas was a sacrament observed with the exchange of gifts, when the stockings were hung, and the spruce tree was lighted in the symbol of Christian faith and love.” For the Coolidges, Christmas seemed to kindle an extra sense of the magical power inherent in its omnipotent roots, bringing everyone a little closer to those things of the spirit that no force can destroy, no will crush, no darkness extinguish. As we are underway in the kitchen, wrapping gifts, and remembering that Christmas is, as Cal put it, “more than a season but a state of mind,” here are some of the hallmarks of a Coolidge Christmas:

I. Carols and Hymns: The initiation of musical performances became a staple of Christmas during the Coolidge years. Nor were these programs limited to Sousa’s Marines or small groups of musicians but featured what became an annual — and beloved — custom: the singing, without accompaniment, of carols. The high point of these programs usually consisted of the sixty-member choir of the First Congregational Church under the direction of the talented Mrs. Ruby Smith Stahl. Alongside a full collection of established favorites, the lineup came to include Dr. Jason Noble Pierce’s “The Bells of Christmas,” composed in 1925 and dedicated to Mrs. Coolidge. When the Coolidges opened the grounds to the public and encouraged guests to sing along, they were tapping the power of music to reach souls.

II. Service and Charity: The spirit of service found rightful expression also in the preparations and distribution of food baskets and gift parcels. The President inaugurated the first community Christmas Tree lighting over one century ago in honor of community. Together the Coolidges launched the Christmas Seals campaign each year to support the work of the National Tuberculosis Association. No year went by without the Coolidges inaugurating some public effort to render time and care for children, hurting veterans, and those in need of Christ’s love for all humanity.

III. The Food that Brings Together: The Coolidges understood not every gift was tangible. Joining their inner official family, which included Mary Randolph and Laura Harlan, the First Lady’s secretaries, Ted and Henrietta Clark, the President’s personal secretary, Colonel Starling, the President’s Secret Service agent, Frank and Emily Stearns, Chef Lee Ping Quan, and Dr. Joel and Helen Boone, assistant White House physician, was the Boones’ six-year-old daughter Suzanne, giving (in a real sense) the Coolidges their own little girl. She became a regular recipient of the Coolidges’ adoration and generosity. When she learned from Dr. Boone that a Washington family had lost a father around Christmas, she gave up her presents to comfort the mourning children. Dr. Boone later remarked, “It gratified me, at her age to have her demonstrate her philanthropic disposition, which she has maintained throughout her life,” and whether acquired or born with that quality, he noted, “She was always most thoughtful of other people.” Without the Boones and the closely knit inner circle of extended Coolidge family, Christmas in the years to come would not have been as rich. We are shaped not only by the families in which we are born but also by the families which form by choice and circumstance. Without, however, that highest debt paid for us and which we owe everyone — selfless love — can Christmas be said to live, truly, in each of us?

Here is one of Cal’s favorites, per Lee Ping: the Custard Pie recipe from 1924

3/4 cup Sugar 2 Eggs. well beaten

2 tablespoons Flour 2 1/2 cups Milk

1/8 teaspoon Salt 1 teaspoon Vanilla

Pour into pie plate with thin layer after mixing ingredients well together. Bake a 450 degrees F for 10 minutes to set the rim. Reduce heat to 325 degrees F, continue baking for 30 minutes or until custard set. Sprinkle a little grated coconut on top when removed from oven.

We find the Coolidges are even nearer to us at this time of the year, especially as we bake the legendary Coolidge Custard. A very Merry Coolidge Christmas to you and yours!