Here’s your chance to step into a Currier & Ives Christmas card scene and take a sleigh ride to a simpler time, before traffic jams, superstores and online shopping.

With the help of Harriet Brooks Ormrod,'s diary, Louis Cecere, an employee at what is now Gatherings at the Senator’s Mansion in Churchville, shares a glimpse of what Christmas was like there 100 years ago. Some traditions may seem strange, but much of the sentiment should familiar right about now.

Harriet Brooks was the daughter of the pastor of the Congregational Church of Riga. She married Ormrod, who would later serve two terms as a state senator, and for whom the mansion is now named. William and Harriet lived with friends in Churchville for seven months while their new home was being was being constructed. William was busy starting up his new beef cattle business, starting what would become the finest telephone system in the state, and helping to start the Churchville lighting and heating company. In November he also took a position as Riga Town Supervisor.

In December the Ormrod’s moved into their new home and the task was left to Harriet to ready the house for the coming holidays, including a visit from her in-laws from Ohio, many of whom she had never met. Twenty-three years older than her husband, and a native of tiny Churchville, she worried about how she would be received.

The following are Harriet’s diary entries for the week of Christmas as read by Cecere:

December 20, 1905 "My feelings about Christmas have been mixed today. At one time I wished it had already passed and then I think it would be better if we didn't celebrate it at all. I don't know how Hilltop Farm can be properly ready for guests from out of town this year. Why didn't we wait to entertain? Perhaps it is not the readiness of the house that worries me most. I don't know what they will think of me. William says they will love me but I wonder if I will appear sophisticated enough for city folks. I fear that I shall look old and worn out. I have been so tired of stepping over pieces of wood, of having so many workers around, etc. Perhaps I shall have more enthusiasm tomorrow."

December 21, 1905 "I think I may be able to delight the children with the pinata I made, an inflated balloon shaped like an animal with candy, fruits and nuts inside. We will have two trees, one massive one from the back lot will be placed in the parlor. A small one will await the children's decorations in the breakfast room.

Heidi has made sugar cookies. She sputtered about this additional chore. I wouldn't be surprised, however, if she gets out her cookie cutters and surprises the children with several shapes to decorate. After dinner I shall encourage the children to play charades, musical chairs and blind man's bluff, or to go out sledding while the adults play cards."

December 22, 1905 "I wish William could be home more. How could he have become so involved with this town? He is on call for all kinds of problems and emergencies and enjoys the work. He also like the prestige of it, in addition to wanting this area to prosper.

Heidi and I didn't know exactly how many guests we shall serve Christmas day. I expect William to invite anyone he shall meet who is alone or a stranger in town. Our hired men and their families should be happy to celebrate in the supervisor's building. I must choose someone to be in charge of the baskets for the poor. Three days to go, things are shaping up."

December 23, 1905 "The monarch of the table was chosen today. I made a suggestion for his stuffing. I couldn't help overhearing, however, a discussion from the kitchen, 'Well, Heidi will do whatever she wants to do.' Since she is not accustomed to the luxury of the abundance of apples, she may not try to balance the flavor of onion to apple.

There will be ham for those who prefer it. Ham and beef will be offered at the evening supper. I am realizing more and more that Heidi wishes I were not 'in the picture.' She would like to be in control of the house and be able to boss William and wait on him as she had done. I hear Harold saying 'Now, now,' to her quite often.

I am beginning to feel better about Christmas. William will be a talkative host. I will not be required to be entertaining, just gracious. That I can be, trained as I have been by the social activities in my father's church."

December 24, 1905 "The train arrived after a short delay because of the snow storm. William rode the sleigh to meet his family. I could see how relieved they were to have ended their journey. I am glad I did not have to travel at this time of year. So far no one appears shocked at my being so much older than William and a small-town person. Perhaps I have worried for nothing.

Everyone took part in decorating tonight. The mistletoe was hung and immediately enjoyed. Wreaths were put up in the house and outside. Popcorn was popped and strung. The out-of-towners were surprised at some of our decorations, but expected to see the family star or angel at the top of the tree. The children's tree was exceedingly creative."

December 25, 1905 "Christmas morn was the usual oohing and awing time. The children like what William and I gave them. For the girls, I had pieced little quilts for their dolls, and William had bought tools for the boys. And, of course, each received a book for good reading. Then, it was off to church in Riga by sleigh. When we returned home there was much toasting before the food was served, followed by a bowl of soup, the main course and pumpkin or mince pie. While the tables were cleared, the children being excused from their seats, the men lit their cigars and leaned back comfortably. Soon the women working in the kitchen were called back in for applause. And … me and the lady guests were picked up and piled in the middle of the dining room floor. This form of thank you was great for the men. William could've been heard in the next county, he laughed so heartily. I did not think it was at all funny, I was on the bottom of the pile.

Well, it will be quiet here tomorrow night. It may be a little too quiet after so much activity.

December 26, 1905 "Yes, it is quiet. I sit here with my feet up writing, while William naps in his chair. Earlier we had reviewed the goings on. We think everyone had a good time, but are both glad we are not entertaining New Year's Eve. Truthfully, I had feared William would encourage his family to stay over. We all got along just fine, but enough is enough. Heidi and Harold would have been ready to kill him if he had made any more work for them. All of us can be thankful we didn't get snowed in. Sometime, however, William would like to hold a dance in the third floor ballroom which I think would be a perfect place to entertain.