The 1945 Sears Christmas Book in Bloomington, MN

The much-anticipated arrival of the Sears gift catalog in American homes marked the start of the holiday season during the mid-twentieth century. This facsimile of the Sears, Roebuck and Co.'s 1945 Christmas edition offers a nostalgic look back at consumer goods of the era, from dolls and toy trains to housewares, clothing, furniture, candy, and a selection of gifts for the men and women just coming home from fighting in World War II. Also reproduced here is an insightful and spiritual poem, "Christmas Peace," which the Sears marketing director included in the original mailing to commemorate the end of the war.