Originally published by Pastime Publishing Co. in Boston, Massachusetts in 1881.

• Printed on 18" x 24" sized paper
• Paper is sourced from Japan

Christmas in the late Victorian era, spanning roughly from the 1870s to the early 1900s, was a time of great cultural and social significance. Queen Victoria herself set the tone for many of the holiday traditions we still enjoy today, including the Christmas tree, which she and her husband, Prince Albert, popularized in England. During this period, Christmas was a time of both religious reflection and festive celebration, and it was often characterized by a blend of old customs and emerging modern influences.

In the late Victorian era, Christmas decorations played a significant role in setting the holiday mood. The Christmas tree was the focal point of many homes, adorned with candles, paper ornaments, and small gifts. Tinsel, glass baubles, and other ornate decorations began to replace more rustic and homemade ornaments. These items were often imported from Germany and other European countries. Paper chains and paper garlands were popular decorations made from colorful paper strips that were looped and glued together to create a festive atmosphere. These were often handcrafted by families as part of their holiday preparations. Nativity scenes, known as creches, were also set up in many homes to commemorate the birth of Jesus.

The Victorian era saw the rise of the Christmas card as a popular holiday tradition. The first Christmas card is widely credited to Sir Henry Cole, who commissioned an artist to design a card in 1843. By the late Victorian period, sending and receiving elaborately designed and printed Christmas cards had become a significant part of the holiday season. The cards often featured intricate illustrations of holiday scenes, winter landscapes, or religious imagery, and they were often adorned with lace, ribbon, and other decorative elements.

The Christmas cracker, a novelty item that contains small gifts, jokes, and a snap when pulled, was invented in the late Victorian era. Tom Smith, a London-based confectioner, introduced these festive novelties in the 1840s. Initially, they contained sugared almonds, but over time, small toys and other surprises became common filler items.

Gift-giving was an essential part of Victorian Christmas celebrations, and children eagerly anticipated the arrival of Father Christmas or Santa Claus with their presents. Toys were often handcrafted or purchased from stores. Some popular toys and gifts during this time included dolls, toy soldiers, board games, books, mechanical toys, and puzzle boxes. Christmas in the late Victorian era was marked by a combination of religious observance and festive traditions. The period saw the rise of many customs and practices that continue to shape our modern celebrations, from the widespread use of Christmas cards and decorations to the exchange of gifts and the focus on family gatherings. These holiday traditions have evolved and adapted over the years, but the spirit of Victorian-era Christmases lives on in our contemporary celebrations.