This is the Original Christmas Puzzle that Rick Archer first saw in 1996.
Rick Archer's Note: Tiffany Hayden faxed me the above copy of the Original Puzzle in 2005. I had misplaced my copy, so thank you, Tiffany!
Various people have written me over the years to say they remember the Original Puzzle first appeared in America sometime in the Eighties.
However, I have one Catholic sister who said she used it in 1978. Here is her note.
From:Ann Sent: Saturday, December 24, 2011 12:49 PM To:[email protected] Subject: Original Christmas Puzzle
Hello Mr. Archer,
Just a quick note to tell you that I came across your sight as I was looking for the Christmas Carol Puzzle that I passed out to my students this week but forgot to bring a copy home for my family to enjoy. I have been sharing with my students the original (carbon copy!) Christmas carol puzzle since 1978.
I have no idea where I got it but I have had it in a file for at least 33 years now. (I did not know there was an updated version.)
As I grow a tad bit older each year and my student's parents seem to be younger and younger, I wonder if the students will even know half the songs on the (original) puzzle, but to my amazement they do... even I Saw Three Ships. I will research as to where I got the original puzzle and let you know if I find anything.
Please note: Twenty-five years teaching in a Catholic diocese has aged me but I don't believe I am as old as that original puzzle.
Thank you for your awesome site and for treasuring and sharing your fun Christmas activities.
Merry Christmas and Blessings in the New Year,
Ann
Ann's 1978 date suggests that the 80s claim is in doubt.
The invention of the Fax Machine allowed this puzzle to become popular across America and perhaps even the world. Every year at Christmas time, someone would bring a copy to the office. People would laugh, try to solve it, then make a copy of their own. Then they would in turn Fax the puzzle to someone else. I have little doubt this puzzle has circled the globe several times.
I first saw the Original Puzzle in 1996. I scanned the copy above into my computer in 1999. That is the year I decided to use my website and the Internet to popularize the puzzle.
As of 2013, I still have no idea who created the puzzle. For twelve years (1999 through Christmas 2010), no one ever came forward to claim authorship of the Original Puzzle.
LAHLETE PEARSON
There was a curious development in December 2011. Two different ladies emailed one day apart to say they did it. One of the ladies refused to share her name with me, so I use her email initials FMY to identify her.
The other lady was Lahlete Pearson who said she created the puzzle in 1985. I thought it was very odd to have complete silence for twelve years, then to have two women email me on consecutive days to claim ownership. I could not help but wonder if they know each other, but FMY said no.
In January 2012 Ms. Pearson took the time to fax me this copy of her work
December 2011 - Lahlete Pearson steps forward
From: Lahlete Pearson Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2012 To: [email protected] Subject: Original Christmas Carol Puzzle This morning, I attended my grandson's Christmas Program in Brandon, Mississippi.
After the program we were invited to go to his classroom for refreshments. The teacher had provided activity sheets to entertain the students while the adults served the food.
Imagine my surprise when I looked down and saw MY art work on his desk.
I did the original as entertainment for a Sunday School Christmas Party so long ago that I can scarce remember when. I will however question other church members to see if they can remember. I have NO idea how the puzzle spread so far, but I'm pleased as punch that so many people have enjoyed it. On the sheet that you are calling the 'Original Puzzle,' several of my original puzzles have been left off and several have been added. The original puzzle was done by myself, Lahlete Pearson, in Belzoni, Mississippi for the members of the Garner Shannon Sunday School Class at the Belzoni United Methodist Church. I believe the first time we used it was around 1985.
I am amazed that my puzzle has gone so far and wide….and that so many new puzzles have been added to it. It was only intended for that first little party, but, as I said, I'm thrilled that so many have enjoyed it. The only thing I see that bothers me, and it REALLY bothers me, is that someone has changed my word 'Christmas' to X-mas. I can't begin to tell you how offended I am to see anyone substitute an 'X' for my Lord and Savior. How can anyone want to celebrate an 'X-mas'? May I ask a favor? I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT IF YOU WOULD PUT MY CHRIST BACK INTO MY PUZZLES. As I remember, and this was a loooooong time ago, I probably spent an hour or maybe and hour and a half on the whole thing. Maybe it spread the next year when I sent a copy in my Christmas Cards to my high school classmates. (That would be the class of 1957). They are spread from Alaska to Florida and California to Maine. At the time, the most recent song, I believe, was 'Grandmother Got Run Over…', and I believe that copyright was around 1973. I still think the puzzles were done between 1980 and 1985. ........... Dear Rick, Thank you so much for removing the 'Xmas' clues in your puzzles. I'm really not a religious nut, but I firmly believe that we teach by example, even when we do not realize that others are watching us. And I believe that if our country does not return to God soon, we are doomed to destroy ourselves. About your confusion on the dates. I told you that I sent the Christmas Carol Puzzle to my classmates in the Class of 1957. That's how old we are, not when I sent the puzzle. I asked other church friends today and they agreed that the first puzzle was used between 1980 and 1985. We arrived at this by remembering the preacher who was here at the time, and then checking to see when he served our church. If your will share your fax number with me, I will send you a copy of my original puzzle. There are 4 or 5 clues that I don't see on any of your later copies. I, personally, think that my original 'OH' Christmas Tree is a much better hint that the 'O', which can be misconstrued as an apple, or other fruit. And I think the original clue with the head of lettuce and the snow flakes (x3) is a much better idea for 'Let it Snow'. Just try saying 'lettuce snow' 3 times , quickly, and you will understand why I say this. I am a retired elementary school teacher, which should explain to you why I chose to make the clues so 'elementary'. Also remember that this was done before the advent of Clip Art and internet. .
Rick Archer's Note: Lahlete Pearson was kind enough to look through her files and find a copy of her original work. (see it posted above)
There are two things in particular to notice.
First, some of Ms. Pearson's clues are different from the version most people first saw back in the Eighties and Nineties. For example, Ms. Pearson's version of 'Dreaming of a White Christmas' uses the entire word 'Christmas' while most later versions only use 'Xmas'.
That leads me to conclude that along the way 'mutations' occurred when people decided they could improve on some of the clues and added their own version.
Second, you will notice that Ms. Pearson's version has 30 clues as opposed to the standard 24. In addition, all 30 clues are drawn in an identical style. I believe there is a definite possibility that Ms. Pearson could be the originator as she contends.
Christmas Carol Game Free
Test your knowledge and see how you do or, better yet, print off several copies and play this game at your next Christmas party or family gathering. click on image to print If you try it and get stumped, you’ll find the solutions here — but no fair peeking at the answers until you’ve done your best to figure them out on your own! Merry Christmas to all! Looking for a great way to spread some holiday cheer? We thought we’d put your song knowledge to the test with this fun, free printable Christmas carol quiz! Pass a set around the Christmas table this year and see who comes out king or queen of the candy canes! Ready to rock around the Christmas tree?