A Very Merry Victorian Christmas

Riverside loves its themes and there is just so much to learn about the Victorian Era, which the Tutorial boys and Studio girls are studying this year. Among other things, the 1800s are known for steam power revolutionizing transportation and mechanical inventions changing day-to-day life. (The Tutorial boys, in particular, have been making Silent Films and building Steampunk gadgets.)

But did you know that many Christmas traditions we hold today had their start during this time? Some were even popularized by the monarchs after whom this time period is named: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Christmas Cards

In 1843, a wealthy patron of the arts named Sir. Henry Cole (who later founded the Victoria and Albert Museum in London) was stressed. You see, in recent years, the modernized British postal system had come up with the idea of the Penny Post. Sending letters, particularly at Christmas time had become all the rage, particularly amongst the “A-listers” who counted themselves amongst Cole’s friends.

Poor Cole did not want to ignore them, but he didn’t have time to sit down and return personal notes to each and every person. So…he commissioned an artist friend for a picture of a family enjoying Christmas surrounded by images of people helping the poor. He had these printed on cardboard cards, addressed each personally, and voila! Problem solved.

Indoor Christmas Trees

Although Prince Albert wasn’t the first royal to bring the idea of a decorated indoor tree to England from Germany, he and Victoria are credited with popularizing the tradition. In 1848, British newspapers published pictures of the royal family celebrating around their tree and the idea quickly spread.

Thanks to the advancements of the Industrial Revolution, decorations could be quickly and easily produced and were available to the masses. Of course, the Victorians used actual candles, which we cannot recommend, but they also strung popcorn and cranberries and hung candies and other dried fruits.

Christmas Crackers

These may not be ubiquitous in America, but they are still very popular in England, and in the United States we do see them in stores and on a smattering of Christmas tables. In the mid-1800s a candy store owner liked the prettily wrapped bon bons he saw while vacationing in France and wanted to create something uniquely British. The cracker is tugged open with a literal “bang” to reveal jokes and trinkets inside.

Thanks to the Victoria and Albert Museum for the information in this article.