As Ebeneezer hits cinema screens take a look at how Victorian traditions at Christmas continue to be used today.
Unless your favourite words around the festive period are “Bah Humbug!” much like Johnny Depp’s Ebenezer Scrooge in the upcoming Ebenezer, you know that Christmas is a time of year filled with familiar traditions. But long before Elf on the Shelf and Christmas Eve boxes became popular, the 19th century helped shape the Christmas we know and celebrate today, with many traditions becoming popular or firmly established during this period.
The 19th century also brought the classic Christmas tale A Christmas Carol, which has been retold in the upcoming Ebenezer, in cinemas November 13. The classic Christmas tale, told like never before!
Under the reign of Queen Victoria, Christmas developed into a celebration centred around family, generosity and festive cheer. From the growing popularity of Christmas trees and crackers to the rise of Christmas cards, the Victorian era helped establish many of the traditions that continue to define Christmas today. But how many of our favourite festive customs actually began during this period, and how much of a Victorian influence can still be seen in the way we celebrate Christmas today.
A Victorian Christmas:
For many Victorians, Christmas was centred around the home. Families would gather to share a meal, exchange gifts and enjoy seasonal entertainment, with the idea of spending Christmas together becoming increasingly important. The expansion of the railways also made it easier for people who had moved away for work to return home for the holidays. In many ways, the Victorians helped establish the image of a festive family gathering that remains central to celebrations today.
The Christmas Tree:
One of the most recognisable traditions to emerge during this period was the Christmas tree. Prince Albert, who was born in Germany, helped popularise the custom in Britain, and an illustration of the royal family gathered around a tree in 1848 helped bring the tradition into public view. Trees were decorated with candles, sweets and other ornaments, creating a festive centrepiece that families could gather around. Fast forward to today, and the Christmas tree remains a staple in many homes, although candles have largely been replaced by electric lights and decorations range from handmade ornaments to elaborate themed displays.
Christmas Cards:
Christmas cards also became a defining part of the Victorian festive season. The first commercial Christmas card was commissioned by Henry Cole in 1843, offering a new way to send seasonal greetings to friends and family. As printing became more affordable, Christmas cards grew in popularity, eventually becoming a familiar part of Christmas preparations. While handwritten cards are still exchanged today, digital messages and social media have given people new ways to send their festive wishes, sometimes replacing the traditional envelope and stamp altogether.
Christmas Crackers:
And then there are Christmas crackers. First developed by confectioner Tom Smith in the 19th century, these festive novelties brought together small gifts, paper hats and jokes, becoming a familiar feature of Christmas dinner. Their contents may have changed over the years, but the tradition of pulling a cracker across the dinner table remains a reminder of how Victorian ideas continue to shape modern celebrations.
Christmas Dinner:
Food was another important part of the Victorian Christmas. Roast meats and rich puddings featured on festive tables, although what families could afford varied greatly depending on their circumstances. Wealthier households could enjoy elaborate feasts, while lower income families often had to make do with more modest meals. The Christmas pudding, which developed from much older dishes, became firmly associated with the season, and its place at the end of the Christmas dinner has endured. Today, turkey, potatoes, vegetables and Christmas pudding remain familiar favourites in many British households, even as dietary preferences and family traditions continue to change.
Christmas Presents:
Gift-giving has long been part of Christmas, but the way presents are exchanged has changed over time. In the Victorian era, gifts were often smaller and could include handmade items, books, toys and sweets. As manufacturing expanded and goods became more widely available, exchanging presents became an increasingly important part of the celebration. Today, gift-giving is often a much larger affair, with families buying presents weeks in advance and retailers encouraging shoppers to find something for everyone. While the excitement of opening presents remains, the pressure to spend more and find the perfect gift has become a familiar part of modern Christmas.
From Family Gatherings to Festive Consumerism:
As Christmas traditions developed, so did the way people prepared for the season. The Victorian period saw the growth of commercial Christmas cards, gift books and seasonal goods, laying some of the foundations for the shopping culture we see today. However, modern Christmas has taken this idea much further, with shops, supermarkets and online retailers beginning their festive campaigns well before December even arrives.
So get in the festive spirit and adopt the Victorian way of celebrating by bringing family and friends together to watch Ebenezer in cinemas November 13!