Christmas traditions that many enjoy today owe a significant debt to Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert. In the 19th century, their celebration of the holiday popularized various customs, including the Christmas tree, gift-giving, and festive meals. These traditions not only shaped royal celebrations but also permeated the homes of ordinary families across Victorian England.
Reviving Christmas Traditions
The royal family’s Christmas celebrations began at Windsor Castle before moving to Osborne, their holiday home on the Isle of Wight, after Prince Albert’s death in 1861. This shift marked a poignant change for Queen Victoria, who sought to keep her husband’s memory alive by continuing the festive traditions they had established together. Albert’s German roots played a crucial role in introducing various elements that would become synonymous with Christmas, influencing a nation in the process.
One of the most notable contributions was the Christmas tree. Although the tradition of decorating trees existed prior to Albert’s arrival, he popularized it within the royal household. The trees were adorned with lit candles and trinkets, creating a magical atmosphere. Earlier, King George III’s wife, Queen Charlotte, had introduced the first decorated tree to England in 1800, but it was the iconic image of Victoria and Albert with their children around a decorated tree in the 1840s that truly captured the public’s imagination.
Feasting and Festivities
The royal family’s Christmas dinner often featured turkey, a tradition they enjoyed together. The meal included various trimmings, and following dinner, they would indulge in plum pudding. While wealth influenced the types of dishes on the table, many Victorian families would also feature a festive bird, typically goose, as illustrated in Charles Dickens’ classic, *A Christmas Carol*. Some families even participated in “goose clubs,” allowing them to pay in installments for their festive meals.
Gift-giving during Christmas was not a new concept, but the Victorian era saw it become a central part of family celebrations. Traditionally, presents were exchanged on Christmas Eve, a practice that differs from the modern-day custom of Christmas Day exchanges. Queen Victoria favored unwrapped gifts displayed across tables, similar to royal birthday celebrations. Her diaries reveal a wealth of information about the gifts exchanged, which often included jewelry, art, and crafts made by her children and grandchildren. This emphasis on personal touches reflected the spirit of the season, even among less affluent families who adapted the tradition within their means.
The enduring presence of plum pudding on Christmas tables further connects modern celebrations to Victorian customs. This dish, frequently referenced by Dickens, was often accompanied by a rich sauce like English custard. Interestingly, the humble pudding has its origins in medieval pottage. The royal family would even add an element of drama to their dessert by setting fire to a bowl of raisins soaked in alcohol, a tradition that continues to captivate today.
Through their celebration of Christmas, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert not only enriched their own family traditions but also inspired a nation to embrace these customs. Their legacy is evident in the way Christmas is celebrated around the world, reminding us of the power of shared traditions in bringing families together during the festive season.
