Where would Christmas be without the reason for our celebration? The Victorians promoted church going, charity giving, and the celebration of the birth of the Christ child. The true Christmas story as recorded in the Bible was their most important reading of the season.

And it came to pass in those day there went out a decree from Ceasar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem: (because he was of the house and lineage of David) And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manager; because there was no room for them at the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

Hang Up The Baby's Stocking Hang up the baby's stocking Be sure you don't forget! The dear little dimpled darling, She never saw Christmas yet! But I've told her all about it, And she opened her big blue eyes; And I'm sure she understood it- She looked so funny and wise. Dear, what a tiny stocking! It doesn't take much to hold Such little pink toe's as baby's Away from the frost and the cold But then, for the baby's Christmas, It will never do at all. Why! Santa wouldn't be looking For anything half so small. I know what I will do for the baby. I've thought of the very best plan. I'll borrow a stocking of Grandma's, The longest that ever I can And you'll hang it by mine, dear mother, Right here in the corner so! And leave a letter to Santa, And fasten it in the toe. Write-this is the baby's stocking, That hangs in the corner here. You never have seen her, Santa, For she only came this year But she's just the blessed'st baby. And now before you go, Just cram her stocking with goodies, From the top clean down to the toe! -Emily Huntington Miller

My Gift What can I give Him Poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would give Him a lamb, If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part- But what can I give Him, Give my heart. -Christina Rossetti

From Little Women "Merry Christmas, little daughters! I'm glad you began at once, and hope you will keep on. But I want to say one word before we sit down. Not far away from here lies a poor woman with a little new-born baby. Six children are huddled into one bed to keep from freezing, for they have no fire. There is nothing to eat over there; and the oldest boy comes to tell me they are suffering hunger and cold. My girls, will you give them your breakfast as a Christmas present?"Louisa May Alcott

A Christmas Carol In both England and America, Victorian writers did their share in fostering holiday spirit, but the one writer who obviously contributed the most was Charles Dickens. With the publication of A Christmas Carol in 1843, he defined the Victorian Christmas as a a family-oriented occasion. His touching description of the Cratchits celebrating the holiday together at home is the heart of the classic story. The portrait still influences us today with its view of Christmas as a time for giving and sharing, and for home and family. At last the dinner was all done, the cloth was cleared, the hearth swept, and the fire made up. Then all the Crachit family drew round the hearth, in what Bob Crachit called a circle, meaning half a one, and at Bob's elbow stood the family display of glass-two tumblers and a a custard-cup without a handle. These held the hot stuff from the jug, however, as well as golden goblets would have done; and Bob served it out with beaming looks; while the chestnuts on the fire sputtered and crackled noisily. Then Bob proposed:"A Merry Christmas to us all, my dears. God bless us!"Which all the family re-echoed."God bless us every one!" said Tiny Tim, the last of all.

Christmas Bells The time draws near the birth of Christ:The moon is hid, the night is still;The Christmas bells from hill to hill Answer each other in the mist. Four voices of four hamlets round,From far and near, on mead and moor,Swell out and fail, as if a doorWere shut between me and the sound; Each voice four changes on the wind,That now dilate, and now decrease;Peace and good will, good will and peace;Peace and good will, to all mankind -Alfred, Lord Tennyson

{ Gifts } { Recipes } { Christmas Cards } { Decorating the Home } { Victorian Trade Cards } { Victorian Christmas Trees } { Some Traditional Christmas Carols } { Victorian Christmas Graphic Design } Merry Christmas to All!

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