What may surprise some Americans is that our images of an old-fashioned Christmas celebration stem from Victorian era Christmas seasons in England. Several of the most prominent Yuletide symbols in America today are direct descendants of English sources.

        The most widely recognized of these symbols is the Christmas tree, with its decorations, lights, and ornaments. Its popularity is a product of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. They brought popular, high-profile celebrations to real life Christmases in England. The Christmas tree became the pride of Windsor Castle on Christmas Day. Another holiday favorite is from England’s Victorian era is Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol. This story, published in 1843, contains everything we associate with an old-fashioned Christmas.

        Another uniquely Victorian Christmas tradition has become a giant industry worldwide. The Christmas greeting card became very popular during Victoria’s reign. Printed holiday greetings with sentiments of the season were exchanged between close friends and acquaintances. Colorful illustrations of English holiday scenes accompanied each message. Along with Victoria and Albert’s tree and lavish trimmings, and Dickens’ timeless story, the greeting card also remains a Christmas staple in today’s modern society.

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