25 years ago: Dec. 25, 1980

A Christmas Day Festival Service is held at Trinity Lutheran Church in the morning with the celebration of Holy Communion; speaker is the Rev. Paul H. Jilg, pastor; his theme is "The Challenges of Christmas."

The Jackson Jaycees' annual Bundle of Joy project was a success this year; 42 families with 115 youngsters were given food baskets.

50 years ago: Dec. 25, 1955

The morning's worship service at the First Christian Church features the scripture and carols relating to Christmas; another feature is the dedication of all babies born into the congregation since Easter.

Clear weather, with the temperature dropping slowly through the day, marks Cape Girardeau's 1955 Christmas; the Salvation Army distributes 219 food baskets, a reduction from the 250 estimated earlier in the season; several hundred toys are given to less fortunate children.

75 years ago: Dec. 25, 1930

Cape Girardeau police and firemen play Santa Claus to 100 poor children of the city; a fund made up by members of both departments was sufficient to purchase candy, oranges and apples for this number; the children are given the treats when they call at police headquarters in the morning.

All-day rain dampens Christmas festivities in Cape Girardeau, although there is a fine response as charities distribute more than 300 baskets of food to the needy; capacity crowds fill those Cape Girardeau churches that hold services.

100 years ago: Dec. 25, 1905

The mail carriers are a sight in the morning, when they start out on their routes; they are so loaded down with packages that they look like Santa Claus.

The local order of the railroad brakemen holds a meeting at the Eagles' Hall in the afternoon; after the regular business is tended to, the initiation of three new members is taken up; they are George Stiles, Levi Reeves and William Brumitt.

-- Sharon K. Sanders