Queen Victoria's reign, which started in 1837, saw the celebration of Christmas on a wide and elaborate scale. Victorian Christmas history tells us that Christmas was not so elaborate before. Earlier there was no holiday on Christmas day, but Victoria's reign saw the Christmas day becoming a holiday for everybody. The Industrial Revolution, which occurred in the Victorian era, changed the way Christmas was celebrated in England.
From the details of the Victorian Christmas history we find, the Industrial Revolution had a far-reaching effect on the society, which was apparent in the Christmas season as well. The middle class had wealth in their hands and giving gifts and money to the poor and needy started. The toys for the children were hand-made which meant they that the toys could be afforded by the moneyed persons. Factories made gifts affordable to all children. The Santa Claus or Father Christmas giving gifts to children started from 1870's in Victorian England. Victorian Christmas history sheds light on the changing dining pattern of the people. Before Victoria's reign the traditional fare for those living in northern England was roast beef and the people living in Southern England and London preferred goose. But by the turn of the century, roast turkey was the main course. Turkeys were brought to England many years before Victoria's ascent to the throne, but in her reign Christmas dinner became intricately linked with roast turkey.
1840 and 1843 saw the custom of Christmas cards and decoration of the Christmas tree taking root in England. Prince Albert, a German by birth and Queen Victoria's consort, made the concept of Christmas tree popular in England. Crackers and carols became popular during this time. Delve deep in the Victorian Christmas with Christmas Carnivals.
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