Dec. 26-Jan. 1 — WOODSTOCK — Discover the traditions of a late 19th century Vermont Christmas with a visit to the Billings Farm & Museum, gateway to Vermont’s rural heritage. Christmas at the Billings Farm will continue to be featured daily, Dec. 26 – Jan. 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tours of the authentically decorated farmhouse, visits to the dairy farm for interactive programs including “Introduction to Milking” and “Milking the Herd” at 3:15 p.m. each day, holiday activities, plus the Academy Award® nominee film, “A Place in the Land” will be offered.
During Christmas week, Dec. 26 – Jan. 1, highlights also include horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides and sledding with jack jumpers, if snow conditions permit from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily, as well as making historic Christmas pomanders, ornaments or snowflakes, and candle dipping.
Like most New England states, Vermont did not widely celebrate Christmas until late in the 19th century. It was not until 1890, when the farmhouse at the Billings Farm was completed, that Christmas became recognized as a holiday in all states. At that time, celebrations were much simpler than they would become in the 20th century. Families enjoyed the holiday, but still had cows to milk, ice to cut, and wood to saw. A few gifts, a special meal, and the gathering of friends, were noteworthy in an otherwise typical day.
Decorations of the period included fresh greens draped over mantels, windows, and staircases throughout the house. Small trees, packed in a jar or butter tub and placed on a tabletop were common. Many of the ornaments reflected an agricultural tradition, including strands of cranberries, popcorn, or dried apples that circled the tree. Apples studded with cloves, “exotic” oranges, silvered (foil-covered) chestnuts, painted pinecones, and acorns complemented the handmade paper ornaments, which rounded out many a tree’s decorations.
In Woodstock, turn-of-the-century businesses advertised their wares for Christmas gifts. Most gifts were useful domestic items: fabric, clothing, umbrellas, linens, crockery, and carpet sweepers. Homemade, handcrafted items including fancy mittens, satin bows, and stockings filled with candies, nuts, and raisins were among the most common gifts given on Christmas Day.
For more info, call 802-457-2355 or visit www.billingsfarm.org.
