A Victorian Christmas party must have been a wonder to behold…what would we give for more candid photographs from times like that!
The best glimpses we can get, if we’re lucky enough, are those drawn up by a talented hand or written by a thoughtful, observant one…
I’m lucky enough to have a written glimpse of one certain homey Christmas of 1876.
My great-great grandmother, Ida was just sixteen years old at the time. Auburn-haired and vivacious, she was well-loved by all…
Work was hard, pleasures were few and far between—but more joy was taken in simple things. Friends & family gathered, good food prepared, lively music played, good conversation had by all—these were the best of times.
While living in southern Utah—very rough and just forming it’s settlements at the time—a Christmas gathering was recorded. Just one paragraph, but it gives us a glimpse, just the same…
“At Christmas, so many of our associates traveled to be with us….and such an amount of fun and merriment we had! Uncle Joe’s folks took the bed from their largest room and we danced, played games, recited, sang, had step dancing, etc. every evening, and Christmas Eve, we spent nearly the whole night in Jollity. Our parents took part with us, and did all they could to make the time pass pleasantly for our visitors. Uncle Joe and Hy were good singers and step dancers, and added much to our entertainment. Our friends went home feeling well paid for their trouble in coming to see us.”
Had Ida not been such a modest girl, I’m sure mention might have been made of her playing for the gathering as well. Others have written of her playing her guitar {which a cousin in our family still has!} on many occasions, and singing, as she so loved to do…
Wishing you a wonderful season full of everything good—family, friends, and plenty of the simple things that have always brought such joy…
Julie
