In the 1640's The Puritans banned any and all Christmas celebrations throughout all of Great Britain. But in 1837 when Queen Victoria assumed the throne she restored the Love of Christmas to all of Great Britain. The Victorian era has had the strongest impact on Modern Day Christmas
In 1843 Sir Henry Cole wanted to send Christmas Greetings to his loved ones. He commissioned J C Horsley to create a card showing a family sitting around the Christmas table enjoying Christmas Punch. The Christmas card was sent to 1,000 of Cole's friends and family. The custom of Christmas Cards immediately caught on.
In 1848 Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert had a Christmas tree placed inn Windsor Castle. The boughs were all candlelit. The London News ran an article with a photo of the Royal Family gather around the tree. After the publication it became much in vogue throughout great Britain to have a Christmas tree in one's home.
One of the most famous Christmas stories was written in Great Britain in 1843 by Charles Dickens. A Christmas Story was an instant sensation. It was from his desire to awaken society to the right to happiness to all human beings, despite thier circumstances, that the story sprang from.
Boxing Day is December 26, and all of England is closed this day. After spending 7 "Boxing Days" in the UK I still didn't understand the holiday until reading this book. The most popular belief is the 26Th of December was the day the church's alms boxes were opened to distribute money to the needy.
Many other Christmas Traditions also originated in Great Britain such as Wassailing, Mince Pies, Plum pudding, Mistletoe, Yule Log and Caroling.
Welcome, Minnie!!
5 months ago
2 comments:
Awwww..I still miss England. I just felt at home there (military life I could do without though).
Are you keeping some of the UK traditions? I knew that the Queen gave out money on Boxing Day, but little else. I guess I was either too busy or tired on that day to find out more!
Thanks for the history lesson. I was told (I have no idea by whom!!) that boxing day was the day for all the servants to celebrate since they had to work for their employer on Christmas day. I like your version better though. Have a Merry Christmas and stay safe. Say a prayer for us as we embark on a trip to Virginia Via SC.
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