19th century christmas

It's hard to imagine now, but at the beginning of the 19th century Christmas was hardly celebrated. Many businesses did not even consider it a holiday. However by the end of the century it had become the biggest annual celebration and took on the form that we recognize today. The transformation happened quickly, and came from all sectors of society. Many attribute the change to Queen Victoria, and it was her marriage to the German-born Prince Albert that introduced some of the most prominent…

Christmas Rivals New Year’s Day By the mid-nineteenth century, the celebration of Christmas Day in New York City had grown to such an extent as to rival the New Year’s Day festivities. (For a history and description of New Year’s Day celebration in New York, see my blog post of December, 2017: “This Fine Old …

(Promoted) Christmas Paintings - Visit to get the best designs. #christmaspaintings

Before the mid-1800s many Americans did not dream of Christmas at all. Penne Restad tells how and why this changed – and played its role in uniting the US in social cohesion.

Albert Chevallier Tayler - The Christmas Tree 1911 - Category:Albert Chevallier Tayler - Wikimedia Commons

Before the mid-1800s many Americans did not dream of Christmas at all. Penne Restad tells how and why this changed – and played its role in uniting the US in social cohesion.

From Windsor Castle to Cliveden House

Even simple Christmas decorations in Victorian churches were meaningful. The decorations on this tree read mercy, love, hope, salvation, charity, peace,

A beautifully decorated Christmas tree would have been an odd sight for your ancestors to see any time before the mid-19th century.