Throughout 1845 anti-Mormon persecution in Illinois grew in frequency and intensity. By Autumn it was clear that the city of Nauvoo would have to be abandoned. The exodus began prematurely in February as a result of mob violence. In appalling conditions and intense suffering the saints made their way across Iowa to Winter Quarters. The westward migration continued throughout 1846 until by Christmas some 10,000 people were accommodated in temporary homes, some in just tents or wagons, the more fortunate in turf or timber shacks and cabins.

Christmas Day at Winter Quarters in 1846 was a working day. It was also a day for joy, a day to count many blessings despite numerous trials. Harriet Young, wife of Lorenzo Dow Young, recorded: “This morning we were saluted from every quarter with ‘Happy Christmas’ or ‘Christmas Gift.’ We staid at home, retired from the busy crowd.” . . .
. . . The frozen Missouri river nearby, reflected the bright sunshine as the Saints went to work at their various day’s activities. Among the daily tasks were, fetching water from wells and streams, chopping wood, building houses, patiently caring for the more than three hundred sick in the city, watching the children, and feeding the animals. Mary Richards spent her morning gathering together a large load a clothes. She went to her sister-in-law’s house “to spend Christmas over the wash tub.” Mary and Jane Richards washed all day, enjoying their company, and certainly they spoke longingly of their husbands (Samuel W. Richards and Franklin D. Richards) who were away
from home on this Christmas Day, serving the Lord on missions in England.

The Church leaders, including President Brigham Young, attended to important business in council meetings during the afternoon and into the evening. There was an incredible amount of planning and organization that still needed attention, to prepare for the continued massive exodus of the Church to their future mountain home in the Rocky Mountains. These faithful Saints also took time this day to stop and reverently reflect on the Savior’s birth.  They reminisced about their difficult journey during the past year that brought them settle at this location on the west bank of the Missouri River. They cast their thoughts on loved-ones who were away: In the Mormon Battalion, on missions, on trading expeditions, and dear family and friends who during the year had departed from this life. . . .. . . After the labors of the day were complete, time was spent in small, quiet gatherings of family and friends. A small party was held at the home of Elder Heber C. Kimball. His daughter, Helen Mar Whitney, wrote that it “was very enjoyable and passed off in fine style.” A gathering was also held at Edwin Wooley’s home which was attended by many sisters, including Eliza R. Snow, Patty Session, Phoebe Chase, Hannah Markham and Hannah Green. Surely they discussed the Christmas Days of years gone by, including the previous year in their beloved City of Joseph, Nauvoo the Beautiful.

As the night became late, the Saints quietly returned to their homes, wagons and tents, put their children to bed and retired to rest for the important work of the coming day. They knew that their Savior had been born, lived, and died for them. They rejoiced despite their afflictions, that they were blessed to receive the restored gospel in their lives. They retired with the hope of a better day, when they could celebrate future Christmas Days under permanent roofs, in a land far to the west. The faith and sacrifices experienced on that Christmas Day long ago, reaped blessing and rewards for generations to come.

David R. Crocket Christmas at Winter Quarters, Church News Dec. 21 1996