On the Third Day of a Feminine Christmas

The Betsy McCall paper doll was first introduced in McCall’s Magazine in 1951.  I distinctly remember my mother tearing out Betsy McCall and cutting her clothes out for me while we sat on a braided rug in our living room.  It could have been the 50’s but no later than 1961.

I read once that Caroline Kennedy dressed her children in very conservative clothing when they were small.  Surprisingly conservative, even down to the pajamas she selected for them.  She patronized particular shops in New York City that were known for their adult-styled suits for little boys and searched out sources for Polly Flinder dresses with their trademark elaborate smocking.  I wore Polly Flinders and well-recall some of my dresses. 

My mother always made sure that at Christmas, my sister and I wore Christmas colors.  I remember a forest green jumper with a white blouse, a red dress with snowy lace trim, and most spectacularly, a jewel-blue velvet dress with glass buttons that my grandmother made.  I still have one of the floral glass buttons tucked away.

Betsy’s clothes were conservative too but with a lot of charm.  There was a lovely inconsequential elan about the way she dressed.  I love her little booties as shown above.  And although there were several artists who drew Betsy, there is a common theme of good taste in her wardrobe.  Everything was just so adorable, even down to her Christmas nightgowns, robes, and the slips worn under her festive dresses.

I especially liked when Betsy was with her dog, Nosy.  He often wore red bows around his neck at Christmas and was part and parcel of Betsy’s personal style.  I always looked forward to McCall’s Magazine because I knew I would have the chance to visit with Betsy again and see what seasonal thing she was up to.

Betsy McCall ran for a long time in McCall’s and it may be likely that Caroline Kennedy’s mother shared Betsy with her too, having been quite a fashionista in her own right. 

As for me, I love a little sparkle at Christmas:  a sumptuous fabric like velvet, a crystal hair accessory, maybe some red tartan shoes.  It honors the meaning of Christmas especially when we think of the Wise Men who brought those nice gifts for baby Jesus.  Or the Star of Bethlehem that hung above to tell us that the light had come back to the world at last.

Betsy had the right idea with her lovely Christmas ensembles.  And so I ask – what will you be wearing to honor Christmas this year?

P.S.  The world is ripe for a Betsy McCall book.  Nearly all of Betsy can now be found online easily.  A study of the artists, impact, history etc. would make an interesting coffee table book and I would be first in line to buy it.  McCall’s archives must surely be held somewhere…