Twenty Four Hours to Twelfth Night: The Magic of Christmas Eve in Victorian England

Christmas Eve in Victorian England was a time of great joy and celebration. The streets were decked with holly and ivy, and the air was filled with the sound of carols. Families gathered together to exchange gifts and enjoy a festive feast. But what exactly did people do on Christmas Eve in Victorian England? And how did they celebrate the holiday?

Twenty-Four Hours to Twelfth Night

by Adam Bertocci

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	375 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	16 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In this article, we will take a journey through the traditions and celebrations of Christmas Eve in Victorian England. We will explore the humble beginnings of the holiday, the extravagant parties of the upper classes, and the simple joys of family gatherings. Along the way, we will discover the magic and wonder that made Christmas Eve such a special time in Victorian England.

The Origins of Christmas Eve

The origins of Christmas Eve can be traced back to the early days of Christianity. In the 4th century AD, the Roman emperor Constantine I declared December 25th to be the official date of Christmas. This date was chosen to coincide with the pagan festival of Saturnalia, which was a time of great feasting and revelry. Over time, the Christian holiday of Christmas absorbed many of the traditions of Saturnalia, including the giving of gifts and the decoration of homes with greenery.

In Victorian England, Christmas Eve was a day of great anticipation. The children would hang their stockings by the fireplace, and the adults would prepare for the feast to come. The streets were filled with people shopping for last-minute gifts, and the air was filled with the sound of carols.

Christmas Eve Traditions

There were many different traditions associated with Christmas Eve in Victorian England. Some of the most popular included:

• Hanging stockings: The tradition of hanging stockings on Christmas Eve dates back to the 12th century. According to legend, Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, visited a poor family on Christmas Eve and left gold coins in their stockings. In Victorian England, children would hang their stockings by the fireplace in hopes that Father Christmas would fill them with toys and treats.
• Singing carols: Caroling is a popular tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. In Victorian England, people would often go carolling from house to house, singing traditional Christmas songs. The most popular carols included "The First Noel," "Silent Night," and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."
• Attending church services: Many people attended church services on Christmas Eve. These services were often very festive, with special music and readings. Some churches would even have a special "midnight mass" service, which began at midnight on Christmas Eve.
• Feasting: The Christmas Eve feast was one of the most important meals of the year. The traditional meal consisted of roast goose or turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy. Other popular dishes included plum pudding, mince pies, and gingerbread.

Christmas Eve for the Upper Classes

For the upper classes in Victorian England, Christmas Eve was a time of great extravagance. The wealthy would often throw lavish parties, which included fine dining, dancing, and music. Some of the most famous Christmas Eve parties were held at Windsor Castle, where Queen Victoria and her family would celebrate the holiday in style.

One of the most popular Christmas Eve traditions for the upper classes was the "Christmas tree ball." These balls were held in grand ballrooms, and the guests would dress in their finest clothes. The evening would typically include dancing, music, and a sumptuous dinner.

Christmas Eve for the Poor

For the poor in Victorian England, Christmas Eve was a much simpler affair. Many families would gather in their homes to enjoy a modest meal and sing carols. Some families would also attend church services on Christmas Eve. Despite their poverty, the poor still found ways to celebrate the holiday and enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

One of the most popular Christmas Eve traditions for the poor was the "wassail bowl." This bowl was filled with a mixture of ale, spices, and fruit. The wassail bowl would be passed around the family, and each person would take a drink and wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

The End of the Holiday

Christmas Eve in Victorian England ended with the ringing of church bells at midnight. This signalled the beginning of Christmas Day, and the start of a new year. The people of Victorian England would go to bed filled with joy and anticipation, knowing that the best was yet to come.

Christmas Eve in Victorian England was a time of great joy and celebration. The people of all classes enjoyed the holiday in their own way, from the humble gatherings of the poor to the extravagant parties of the upper classes. But no matter how they celebrated, the people of Victorian England all shared in the spirit of Christmas, a spirit of love, joy, and hope.

Twenty-Four Hours to Twelfth Night

by Adam Bertocci

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	375 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	16 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE