It’s October, and that means we’ve already started thinking about Christmas. There’s something about the season – the lights, the warmth, the traditions that bring us together. Only did you know that in 1644, Christmas was officially banned under Cromwell’s Puritan rule? Christmas was deemed too festive and extravagant, and it stayed illegal until 1660. Of course, banning Christmas proved to be quite unpopular, and before long, riots broke out in favour of the holiday.
Can you picture a Christmas ban happening today? It’s not that likely, so rest assured, while you might need insurance for craft businesses to protect you against a variety of things, banning Christmas probably isn’t something you need to worry about. Still, for those relying on Christmas sales in Cromwell’s time, such a ban must have had some serious consequences. No cheerful market stalls, no bustling shops, and no festive craft fairs – just dismal, dark December days. Thankfully, Christmas was reinstated, and today, it’s a vital part of many craft businesses’ yearly earnings. So, if you’re busy preparing for the festive season, it’s never a bad idea to obtain insurance for your craft business – just in case!
The Joy of Christmas Traditions
One of the best things about Christmas is that it gives us something exciting to look forward to. Even if you’re more of a quiet celebrator yourself, the joy of planning to make Christmas special for loved ones is enough to brighten anyone’s spirits. It’s a time for festive traditions, whether that means putting up the tree, new pyjamas on Christmas Eve, or a Secret Santa at work.
Christmas is built on traditions, and everyone has their own special ways of celebrating. Over the centuries, however, many long-held customs have evolved or disappeared altogether. Some of these Christmas traditions that have come and gone are more unusual, whilst others could do with reviving today! Here’s a brief list, and you never know, you might just find inspiration here for your next handmade creation!
1) St. Thomas’s Eve (the Day Before Christmas Eve)
Before Christmas Eve became all about last-minute shopping and wrapping, the day before Christmas Eve had its own set of quirky customs. Here are just a few that might surprise you:
Going to Bed with an Onion
British women would take an onion to bed on St. Thomas’s Eve. The idea was to peel the onion, wrap it, and place it under their pillow while asking St. Thomas to send them a sweetheart. Sadly, there isn’t much data to hand regarding his success rate.
Asking for Help When Needed
On St. Thomas’s Day, it was common for poorer folk to go door to door, asking for food or money to help them celebrate Christmas. Depending on the region, this was known as “a-Thomasing” or “a-mumping.”
Meat Shows
Another tradition involved attending meat shows just before Christmas. Local butchers would come together to showcase their finest goods, with awards for the best fat sheep and the best fat cow.
2) Christmas Eve Festivities
While many of us spend Christmas Eve preparing for the big day, in the past, it was a time for its own festive fun:
Burning the Ashen Faggot
In the West Country, people would gather bundles of wood, tie them with nine green lenghts of ash band, and burn them in the hearth. As the ashen faggot burned, families would sing, dance, and enjoy plenty of food and drink.
Wassailing
If you’ve ever heard the term “wassailing,” you might think of carol singing, but originally, it was something a little different. In the 1600s, neighbours would walk from house to house, offering a hot, spiced cider drink. Over time, this tradition evolved into the Christmas carolling we know today.
3) Christmas Day Fun and Games
Playing “Shoe the Mare”
Rather than feeling bloated after a hearty Christmas meal, the Elizabethans had a rather playful way of burning off all those calories! The game “Shoe the Mare” involved a family member running around barefoot like a horse while everyone else would try to catch them. The game was best played in a big garden with an active family!
4) Traditional Christmas Food
One mince pie a day
In the Middle Ages, it was traditional to eat one mince pie every day from Christmas until the 12th of January. Back then, mince pies weren’t filled with just fruit – they included meats like mutton or beef and were flavoured with a blend of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Christmas Pie
Tudor revellers took festive feasting to a whole new level with their Christmas Pie. This was no ordinary pie – it involved placing a pigeon inside a partridge, inside a chicken, inside a goose, inside a turkey, all inside a giant pastry crust!
Christmas Dinner in the Victorian Era
Most Victorian families ate roast goose for Christmas dinner. Wealthier families might have had beef, venison, or even turkey. Queen Victoria herself is said to have enjoyed roasted swan!
5) Traditional Christmas Drinks
Smoking Bishop
This popular Victorian drink was a steaming concoction of port, red wine, oranges, and spices – perfect for warming up on a cold Christmas evening.
Whipcoll
In the Shetland Isles, Whipcoll was a festive drink made from brandy and eggs.
Lambs’ Wool
Hailing from Yorkshire, this curious drink mixed ale with apples, sugar, and cream.
Egg-Hot
In Devon, cider was mixed with egg yolks and spices to create a drink known as Egg-Hot.
Finding Inspiration in Tradition
While reviving these old traditions might not be everyone’s idea of a perfect Christmas, they certainly provide plenty of artistic inspiration! The imagery of traditional Christmases – the warmth of a crackling fire, the scent of spiced drinks, the cosy gatherings – has been a source of creativity for crafters for centuries. For those who feel a bit overwhelmed by the commercial side of Christmas, handmade crafts offer a refreshing alternative.
Rather than rushing around crowded shops to buy gifts just to check them off a list, why not focus on choosing or making meaningful gifts that show thought and care? Crafting something by hand or purchasing from an artisan gives your gift that extra personal touch – a real treasure in today’s fast-paced world.
Getting Ready for a Handmade Christmas
Whatever you’re crafting or selling this season – whether it’s online or at festive markets – don’t forget to protect yourself with insurance for craft businesses. A quick call to Naomi or Sam can help ensure you’ve got the right insurance cover for your craft business, leaving you free to focus on what really matters: spreading joy through your creations.
So, here’s to a prosperous Christmas season! May your crafting bring smiles, and your traditions fill your home with warmth and happiness.
