Christmas - Not As We Know It

[ukelele lady]

Many years ago Christmas was not as we know it today. I think we can thank

the Queen Victoria and King Albert for the changes that we reconize today.

After Victoria and Alberts wedding in 1840 they both celebrated Christmas in

the traditional German fashion, as we all know Albert was from Germany.

They would have garlands of holly around the house and a decorated fir

tree and also a very hearty meal.

Of course their subjects followed this tradition although not quite in the same

style as the Royals.

On Christmas day they would visit the church and after the service the Victorian

families would dine on roast beef or goose, plum pudding and not forgetting to

include the tiny silver sixpences. there would be chestnuts with mulled wine for

the evening followed by parlour games and carol singing.

If you were one of the poorer souls you would probably have meat pie and

build some sort of an outdoor fire to gather around while singing Christmas carols.

Until Santa Claus became fashionable in the 1870s the more affluant children received

gifts from their parents such as dolls and books. The poorer children got homemade

toys and hand carved toys if anything at all or an apple and some nuts.

In 1843 Sir Henry Cole created a seasonal card and his idea caught on.

In 1880 more than 11 million Christmas cards were sent.

In 1847 Thomas Smith a confectioner invented the Christmas Cracker which

he used to fill with wrapped sweets.