Then and Now: Christmas 1945 was one to remember The war was over, many soldiers were returning home, and Americans (including Rochesterites) were ready to celebrate in grand fashion. Written By: Thomas Weber | × President Harry S. Truman carries Christmas packages on Christmas Day 1945 in Independence, Mo, on his way to visit his mother in Grandview, Mo. (Contributed photo from the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum. “The average Christmas shopper is buying with abandon,” the Post Bulletin reported, “and is making purchases at whatever price he has to pay.” And why not? It was the holiday season of 1945, and for the first time since 1940, America was at peace. World War II had ended four months earlier, and local residents were ready to splurge, celebrate and remember.