Christmas at Centennial Cottage
December 2022
Before Queen Victoria’s reign beginning in 1837 no one in Britain had heard of Santa Claus or Christmas Crackers, no Christmas cards or holidays from work. The wealth and technologies generated by the industrial revolution of the Victorian era changed all that.
Prince Albert, husband to Queen Victoria, was responsible for making the Victorian Christmas Tree popular in Great Britain. In line with the custom of his homeland, Germany, the Price set up the first Christmas tree in Windsor Castle in 1841. The tree was elaborately decorated with eh beautiful glass ornaments.
Our tree is decorated with “horns of plenty”, a popular Victorian ornament, filled with flowers and ribbons. We added ladies fans, glass balls, star fish and candles. The crowning glory of all Victorian trees is the angel, a symbol of childlike innocence and purity.
The archway and windows are strewn with antique glass garland.
The first Christmas card was drawn by John Callcott Horsley, an illustrator, on behalf of Sir John Henry Cole in 1843. Queen Victorian sent thousands of cards each year. The first American manufactured cards were made by Louis Prang in Boston in 1874.
Victorians put candles in the window and throughout the house symbolizing the birth of Christ bringing light into the world.
Christmas Crackers we’re always part of the Victorian table. Usually filled with candy treats and small toys, two people would hold each end and pill till the Cracker broke revealing the gifts within.
Gift giving began during the Victorian era. Our table is decorated with a gift at each place setting.
Feather trees were also very popular during the Victorian era. Our is decorated with stuffed birds and tiny beaded garland and topped with an angel.
On the back door is a simple wreath with four candles symbolizing belief, good fortune, love and peace.
Paper ornaments and garland were very popular during the Victorian era. The dining room organ is decorated with paper stars and sheet music.
The kitchen has a small tree decorated with cookie cutters and antique utensils. The windows are draped with red wooden beads and dried orange garland. The Victorians also marked orange and clove pomanders to add holiday scent to their home.
