For those of us who may have indulged in a little holiday shopping this weekend, we are in good company! In the archives of the Rosen House, a small notebook survives in Lucie Rosen‘s hand.
Titled “What My Friends may like for Christmas,” the record starts in 1926 and continues intermittently for several years, listing Lucie’s friends, family, and staff along with (presumably) the gifts she gave them. In some cases, she records what her children gave to their relatives.
The gifts range from an “Eversharp Pocket Pencil”, “silk gloves”, “a pocket chess set” and “a black suede handbag,” family photos and books, like The Life of John Paul Jones. She also lists tips and raises for employees like chauffeur Joseph de Grof. In later entries, Lucie also added the guest list for Christmas dinner.
While the journal is not complete, it does give a peek into a busy person’s holiday to-do list. We can relate!
How charming to put Lucie’s handwritten Christmas gift notes on the website! It certainly personalizes her gift list for family members!