Ever wonder how Christmas was celebrated a century ago? Victorian times could be hard-living, especially for those on the farm, but Christmas was greatly celebrated.
Thanks to thespruce.com, here are those traditions from the past, bringing some old-fashioned Christmas cheer this year — and the bonus is, many of these traditions are relatively green even by today’s standards.
• Christmas cards: My dad has always been great at this and, moving with the times, he and I create our own cards of photo collages containing annual news to send far and wide. Victorians extended the Valentine custom of sharing holiday greetings to Christmas. Reconnecting with cherished ones can bring joy.
• Carolling: Victorians revived the centuries-old custom of singing carols, which included revitalizing the 400-year-old hymn “The First Noel.” They not only went door-to-door, they enjoyed carols in home parlours and at local worship services. Many continue with this tradition. What a way to bless the neighbours — and no packaging to worry about recycling.
• Preparing a feast: The English tradition of the wassail bowl and plum pudding made it to many regions in America. Homes also enjoyed turkey, ham, jams, jellies, pickles and potatoes, pudding and stew. Several of these dishes are still popular today. Vegetarian and vegan options are now finding their way into the holidays, like adding nuts to delicious greens and enjoying colourful stuffed squash recipes.
• Decorating a tree: The German tradition of tabletop Christmas trees was taken to new heights by the Victorians, adorning their beloved evergreens with candles, angels, paper cut-outs, gilded apples, tinsel tassels and many other beautiful ornaments. For those of us living in smaller spaces (and perhaps due to strata bylaws), live trees are not possible. I take fallen/broken branches and arrange them in a large vase, decorating with a few select, often hand-made decorations. In a pinch, embellish your indoor plants with ornaments.
• Hauling out the holly, decorating with nature: Use pine, cedar, fir and Oregon grape, decorated with bows, berries, pinecones, raffia, ornaments, photos, etc. A contemporary twist on the Christmas wreath is to hang a few different-sized (simple) greenery and birch wreaths on a branch on the wall. Use leftover greens from your Christmas tree (or those blown down during a storm) to decorate the mantel or to make swags for the bannister or windows. Arrange pinecones with ornaments and bows in a bowl or basket. Bows can be so beautiful. Tie generous ribbons to chair backs, candlesticks, picks in plants, wreaths, garlands, basket handles, drapery tie-backs, railings and doorknobs. Choose ribbon that you can untie and re-tie each year. When done, untie and press the ribbons lightly. Bows won’t get crushed and the ribbons will be ready for next year. Using wire to make bows makes them easy to attach to things.
• Make your own gifts: Even back in 1890, handmade gifts were encouraged over store-bought ones. And I’ve shared in the past information on my mom’s gift-making. Her Christmas creations have included silk pillowcases, colourful book covers, natural moth repellent “spice sachets” and dress-up clothes for the granddaughter and her friends. How do you know something will really last? When it already has. Passing on a family heirloom or something you cherish is sure to be treasured.
• Plan/enjoy a Christmas program: The piano or organ was typically centre stage for Victorian Christmas day entertainment. Family and friends would recite poems, read stories, offer songs or play an instrument. Parlour games (e.g., charades) were also enjoyed. Refreshment was a bowl of wassail or mulled spiced cider.
• Make the most of Christmas day: Victorians would venture out to visit relatives and close friends, deliver dinners to the poor and infirm, and/or attend church services. Giving the gift of time is the greatest gift of all.
Melissa Chaun of Port Moody is an ecologist with a passion for all things sustainable. She is events co-ordinator with the Rivershed Society of BC, volunteers on various city committees and co-ordinates the monthly meetings for Tri-City Greendrinks. Her column runs monthly.
