A Victorian Christmas
by Kimberly Keagan
December 1, 2024 The Christmas season as we know it today owes much of its charm and traditions to the Victorian era. Queen Victoria’s reign (1837–1901) ushered in a period of profound cultural, social, and economic transformation, and Christmas celebrations reflected this change. From glittering decorations to festive feasts, Victorians redefined the holiday season, blending old customs with new inventions. Let’s step back in time and explore how Christmas was celebrated in Victorian England. 
Queen Victoria's Christmas Tree, 1857
The Christmas Tree
One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas—the decorated tree—gained popularity in England during the Victorian era. Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s German-born husband, introduced the custom in 1848 by setting up a Christmas tree at Windsor Castle. A famous illustration of the royal family gathered around their tree, adorned with candles, fruits, and ornaments, inspired households across the nation to follow suit. The tradition of sending Christmas cards began in 1843, when Sir Henry Cole commissioned the first commercial card. Illustrated by John Callcott Horsley, it featured a family enjoying a festive meal alongside the words "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You." The affordability of postage stamps, thanks to the introduction of the Penny Post in 1840, made exchanging cards accessible to a wide audience. Victorians loved elaborately designed cards with floral motifs, cherubs, and winter scenes, and the practice quickly became a beloved part of the season. 
Food
Victorian Christmas dinners were a sumptuous affair, showcasing the prosperity of the era. Roast goose was the traditional centerpiece, though wealthier families often opted for turkey, a relative novelty at the time. The meal included a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, potatoes, and mince pies, all culminating in the grand dessert: plum pudding. Plum pudding, also known as Christmas pudding, was rich with dried fruits, spices, and suet, and often made weeks in advance to allow the flavors to develop. Families sometimes embedded small trinkets in the pudding, each with a symbolic meaning—finding a coin, for example, was believed to bring wealth in the coming year. 
*TIP: Sign up for my newsletter and learn how to make English steamed puddings! HOME
|
|
The Christmas Cracker
Another delightful Victorian invention was the Christmas cracker. In the 1840s, confectioner Tom Smith created these paper-wrapped surprises inspired by French bonbons. Smith added the signature "snap" to mimic the sound of a crackling fire, and inside were small gifts, paper hats, and jokes. Crackers became an instant hit, adding an element of fun to holiday tables.
Another delightful Victorian invention was the Christmas cracker. In the 1840s, confectioner Tom Smith created these paper-wrapped surprises inspired by French bonbons. Smith added the signature "snap" to mimic the sound of a crackling fire, and inside were small gifts, paper hats, and jokes. Crackers became an instant hit, adding an element of fun to holiday tables.
Caroling
Victorians revived the medieval tradition of caroling, blending old songs with newly written hymns. Classics like Silent Night and O Come All Ye Faithful became staples of the holiday repertoire. Groups of carolers, often dressed in their best, roamed neighborhoods, singing to spread goodwill and sometimes collecting donations for the less fortunate.
The Yule Log
Although less common by the late Victorian period, the tradition of the Yule log persisted in some rural areas. A large log was chosen and burned in the hearth, its glow symbolizing warmth and unity. In urban homes, the flicker of candles on Christmas trees or mantelpieces added a magical ambiance to gatherings.
Parlor Games and Family Time
Victorian Christmases placed a strong emphasis on family. After dinner, households gathered to play parlor games such as charades or blind man’s bluff. Storytelling was another favorite pastime, and ghost stories—oddly enough—were a popular choice for Christmas Eve.
The Spirit of Giving
And probably the most significant Victorian tradition that has been passed down through the generations is charitable giving at Christmas. The spirit of generosity was a cornerstone of Victorian Christmas celebrations. Inspired by Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, which highlighted themes of compassion and redemption, many Victorians embraced acts of charity during the holiday season. Wealthy families often donated food, clothing, or money to those in need, ensuring that even the poorest experienced some Christmas cheer.
In the end, while all of these traditions make the season one people look forward to more than any other time of the year, let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas...
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6