Victorian era Christmas Photo circa 1930.--Photo courtesy Esplanade Archives #0883.0175
As the Christmas season approaches, the idea of tradition is always top of mind. Many of our celebratory activities today have evolved from traditions that have been celebrated throughout history, from all over the world.
Over time, these traditions have changed, transformed, and grown in different ways. Tracing them back to their roots helps us understand how they started and where they came from. With this in mind, we have invited school groups to take a step into the past with us in an exciting holiday themed program titled “A Victorian Christmas”!
Beginning with a tour of our historic Ewart Duggan House (est. 1887), students learn about the celebration of Christmas during the Victorian era and discover the history, traditions and festive activities that would have taken place in these very rooms over one hundred years ago.
The home was originally built for local businessman John Ewart, and his wife Jessie Ewart. In later years their daughter, Jacqueline Ewart, married a man by the name of Hector Duggan who lived together in this same house for the remainder of her life.
Through these family ties comes the name of the Ewart Duggan House. This beautiful Victorian home still boasts its original glass windowpanes, gingerbread trim, pocket doors and beautiful millwork. The Ewart Duggan House is the oldest brick residence in Alberta still on its original foundation and is the perfect setting to explore Victorian traditions and customs.
Discussion in “A Victorian Christmas” revolves around the history of family customs, gift giving, yuletide decorations, merry feasts, and sweet treats!
Participants are invited to relive the joys of traditional holiday crafting as they create their very own Victorian Christmas cracker in the Discovery Centre.
In the spirit of yuletide, I’d like to pass along to you a fun parlour game that would have been a pastime for Victorian families on Christmas:
Pass the Slipper
Choose an object to be the slipper for the duration of the game. Pick a person and put them in the center of the circle. They must close their eyes while the “slipper” is passed from person to person behind their backs.
When the center person opens his/her eyes, the passing immediately stops and he/she must guess who is holding the slipper. If he/she is correct, they trade places. If wrong, their eyes are closed and the passing begins again.
Victorian Christmas has become one of our seasonal traditions here at the Esplanade. We wish you and your family all the best as you celebrate with your family traditions this holiday season.
Dayna Walls is the education co-ordinator at the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre
