Though Christmas was celebrated almost universally in the United States in the 19th century, the notion of a magical gift-bringer was not so wide-spread. By the time that the Civil War broke out between North and South, Santa Claus had not completely penetrated all of the nooks and crannies of the American continent and he was a novelty to many of the troops on both sides. In a Union military hospital the approach of Christmas produced a wave of interest and excitement. A volunteer nurse noted:
Some of the boys had never heard of Santa Claus and his visits down the chimney at this merry season; and when his descent through the pipes, and passage through the stove-doors, and appearance in the tents became possibilities, there was as much amusement and anticipation among them as ever gladdened a nursery full of children. On the morning of this happy festival every man found a sock hanging by his side stuffed with mittens, scarfs, knives, suspenders, handkerchiefs, and many little things. Out of the top of each peeped a little flag; and as the men awoke, one by one, and examined the gifts of Santa Claus, shouts of merriment rang through the wards, and they were satisfied that he was a friend worth having.”