Koslow: Contemporary Christmas/Colonial

Description

Colonialist Philip Fithian wrote in his journal the week before Christmas 1773,"Nothing now to be heard of in conversation, but the Balls, the Foxhunts, the fine entertainments, and the good fellowship, which are to be exhibited at the approaching Christmas." During the colonial period in America, the Christmas season was not only celebrated at religious services in the parish church, but also with feasts, parties and family reunions. The colonial lifestyle was a simple oneand holiday decorations, although beautiful, were modest and unpretentious. Using natural materials found in the surrounding countryside, colonists decorated their homes, shops and churches with garlands of greenery, including pine branches, waxy magnolia leaves, holly, soft red cedar, rosemary and cherry laurel. To contrast with the lush greenery, they accented the garlands with berries, pine cones, pomegranates, grapes, pears and cherries. The Protestant Moravians preparedChristmas pastries like sugar cake, mince pies and cookies cut into festive shapes. Dutch colonists joyously celebrated the holiday with Christmas trees, the giving of gifts, and elaborate feasts of turkey, pies and pudding. Like other colonists, however, they placed primary importance on the religious aspect of the holiday, observing the true meaning of Christmas with solemn reverence in their local churches.