Many of the Christmas traditions and practices we enjoy the most can be traced back to the Victorian era, which covers the duration of Queen Victoria's ruling over the United Kingdom from 1837 to 1901. During that period, the country experienced something of an emergence from its formerly Puritanical bans on extravagant celebrations. Naturally, people rather exuberantly embraced their newly merry and flamboyant celebrations, spawning a host of traditions. Many of the most popular Victorian traditions are still very much in practice today.
Perhaps one of the most popular Victorian Christmas traditions that is still observed today is the sending of Christmas cards. The practice of sending printed Christmas cards started in England and was a modification of the then customary writing of greetings by English children to their parents. The printed cards enjoyed huge success and later on became a contagious practice that spread from England to the rest of the UK then to the rest of the world. More than a century later, we still send Christmas cards by the truckload to destinations around the globe.
Christmas
The Christmas tree was not a British innovation, but history has it that the German husband of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, brought and introduced the Christmas tree from Germany to the United Kingdom in the 1840s. From Windsor castle, the tree's popularity spread rapidly, becoming even more popular in the US than it ever was in England, and now the Christmas tree is practically synonymous with Christmas, even though were banned by the Puritans as being far too pagan in its symbolism.
Two London-based sweets makers, James Hovell and Tom Smith invented Christmas crackers in 1846. The confectionery makers wrapped their sweets in colored paper twisted around the shaft. The wrapped candies became further popular when love notes, small toys and other bits and pieces were also tucked inside the crackers.
The traditional visitations of carol singers also started in England during the Victorian era. Popular Christmas carols became crowd favorites. Among them were 'O Come All Ye Faithful', 'See Amid the Winters Snow' and 'O Little Town of Bethlehem'.
The next time you exchange gifts with friends and family, remember that the traditional Christmas practice was started during the Victorian era. During the reign of Queen Victoria, the middle class people started making hand-made toys that were then given to children for free on Christmas Day.
The hugely popular Santa Claus is a very characteristic Victorian tradition, as well. In England, Santa Claus was first known as Father Christmas, who was committed to giving out gifts to children on the eve of Christmas Day.
These are just a few examples of the more celebrated Victorian Christmas traditions. They surely add color and fun to everyone's Christmas.
Victorian Christmas Traditions - How the Victorians Celebrated Christmas
For some great Christmas Victoriana to add to your own holiday celebrations, there are wonderful Victorian Christmas decorations available, but some of my favorite collectibles are actual ephemera from the period, such as Victorian Christmas Cards
Emma Martin loves vintage collectibles, especially Halloween and Christmas decorations. You can visit her website at: http://www.retroholiday.com/