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In a giant hall with a blazing log in the fireplace, people gather around to drink festive beverages and put on plays in outlandish costumes. Joyful festivities such as these fill the Victorian Christmas season with whimsy and enchantment. The celebrations include rich traditions carried on through the ages, some even dating back to the ancient Roman Empire. Although many traditions evoke feelings of reverence, others may wander into the realm of nonsensicality as the Christmas evening progresses. Whether it be passing around the wassail bowl, singing carols, playing farcical games, or telling mystical (and sometimes ghostly) stories while gathered around the crackling yule log, Christmas activities amuse and engross the celebrators nestled safely inside on a wintry English night.
Mayhew, Henry and Augustus. Acting Charades, or, Deeds Not Words: a Christmas Game to Make a Long Evening Short, London, 1850
A Christmas Welcome to the Savior Guest, 1900
Vizetelly, Henry. Christmas with the Poets: A Collection of Songs, Carols and Descriptive Verses, Relating to the Festival of Christmas, 1851
Ewing, Juliana Horatia. The Peace Egg and a Christmas Mumming Play, 1887
Henty, G. A. Yule Logs, 1898