🎄 Interesting Facts About Christmas in the 1700s

How Holiday Traditions Evolved Before the American Revolution

Christmas in the 1700s was a fascinating blend of old-world customs, new-world beliefs, and changing cultural attitudes. From colonial America to Europe, the century saw traditions shift dramatically—some fading, some evolving, and others beginning for the very first time. Understanding Christmas in this era gives us a richer appreciation for the holiday we celebrate today.

Below are some of the most interesting and surprising holiday facts from the 18th century.

🎁 1. Christmas Was Not Universally Celebrated

In the early 1700s, Christmas was controversial in some places—especially in New England.
Puritans viewed Christmas as a threat to public order because of its association with drinking, dancing, and revelry. In fact:

• Boston banned Christmas celebrations until 1681, and the effects of the ban lingered into the early 1700s.

• Workers could even be fined for skipping work on December 25.

Meanwhile, in the southern colonies, Christmas was widely celebrated with feasts, music, and church gatherings—showing how different regional cultures shaped the holiday.

🎄 2. Feasting Was the Center of Christmas

Before commercial gifts and decorated trees, Christmas in the 1700s was all about the holiday feast. Dishes often included:

• roasted goose

• pork or venison

• mince pies

• puddings and spiced cakes

• warm ale or spiced wine

For many families, Christmas was the biggest meal of the entire year—one of the few times communities gathered for large, shared celebrations.

🕯 3. The 1700s Helped Birth the “Twelve Days of Christmas” Traditions

While the famous carol came later, the 12-day Christmas season was widely observed in the 1700s, especially in England and early America. Celebrations ran from:

December 25 → January 6 (Epiphany)

Each day had its own customs, games, or religious observances. Some households used these days to visit family, play music, exchange small gifts, and celebrate the gradual return of longer daylight.

🎅 4. Santa Claus Began to Take Shape

While the modern Santa didn’t fully exist yet, several traditions in the 1700s helped shape him:

• The Dutch in New York celebrated Sinterklaas, a kindly bishop figure who gave children sweets.

• English folklore referenced Father Christmas, a symbol of merriment.

• German settlers brought stories of Kris Kringle.

By the end of the century, these traditions began blending into what would eventually become the American Santa Claus of the 1800s.

🌲 5. Early Christmas Trees Appeared—But Were Not Common

Christmas trees were not widespread in the 1700s, but they did exist, especially among German communities. Trees were decorated with:

• candles

• apples

• nuts

• paper ornaments

It wasn’t until the 1800s—especially after Queen Victoria’s famous Christmas tree illustration—that the tradition exploded across Europe and America.

🎼 6. Carols and Music Were Major Holiday Traditions

Caroling was incredibly popular in the 1700s, both in homes and churches. Some carols that became popular or originated in the 18th century include:

• “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (original version written by Charles Wesley, 1739)

• “Joy to the World” (lyrics adapted from Isaac Watts’ work in 1719)

Music brought communities together, often becoming the highlight of the entire holiday season.

🕯 7. Decorations Were Natural and Symbolic

Homes in the 1700s were decorated with simple, natural materials such as:

• ivy

• holly

• mistletoe

• evergreens

• candles

These decorations symbolized life in the dead of winter, as well as hope and renewal—a theme that still holds true today.

✨ Experience the Magic of Christmas Traditions With Us

The 1700s helped shape the Christmas season we know today—from feasts and evergreens to music and early Santa folklore. If you love exploring how Christmas evolved across centuries, you’ll enjoy our holiday tours that bring these stories to life.

👉 Visit our website to learn more about our Christmas tours:
https://www.rochestermntours.com/christmas/