A Colonial Christmas, Virginia Style

Christmas in the colonies differed according to the location. In Virginia, it wasn't just a day, but a season. The harvest had been put up, fall plowing done, and it was time to celebrate. The wealthy opened their homes, and guests came and went as they chose. Invitations were rarely sent, and a hostess had no idea how many visitors might be there for supper or even spend the night. In 1746, a London magazine proclaimed, "All over the Colony, a universal Hospitality reigns" (Christmas in Colonial and Early America. Chicago: World Book, Inc., 1996).

During the day, men often hunted or "rode to the hounds." At night the merriment might include food, music, dancing, and games that lasted until nearly dawn. Most of the elite in Virginia had been English born, and they tried to recreate the party atmosphere and Christmas traditions they'd known there:

• Yule logs were immense, hardwood logs that were burned in the fireplace to bring good luck. They were originally a Norse custom adopted by the English.
  
• An abundance of evergreens, holly, and mistletoe decorated halls, dining rooms, parlors, and ballrooms.
• Servants and slaves were given Christmas presents, and some were given time off, if they weren't needed for entertaining guests.
• On Christmas Day, men fired muskets, set off firecrackers, shot canons, and beat pots and pans to make noise. This became a tradition in the South.
  
• If religious services were held, they were normally shorter than usual.
• Special foods and drinks included: mince pies, plum pudding, fruit cakes, wassail punch, spiced wine, and eggnog.
• Twelfth Night on January 6th officially ended the Christmas season.

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