I nice little sketch of Christmas in England at a rural great house with all of the historic activities. ( )

A charming account of the author's Christmas spent at the Bracebridge manor in the English countryside around 1818. Even then, the author complains that the celebration of Christmas has lost its feeling, and that only a few still value and practice the old traditions. In fact, the book is generally an argument for actively reviving old ways and returning to life outside the large cities, but by practice instead of by scholarly research.
Irving skillfully makes you feel the cold of winter stagecoach rides and the warmth of the fireplace and smells of cooking meats when you come indoors. Characters are created with just a few broad strokes repeatedly used, but the technique works. The rituals of Christmas Eve, Day and Dinner are delightfully described and commented on. You can't help but feel the joy spreading through those gathered for the celebration.
The book is complimented by more than 100 wonderful sketch illustrations by Ralph Caldecott and the inclusion of songs and poems from the day. ( )

A look back to when Christmas was fading as a holiday in pre-Dickins England and American Washington Irving was nostalgic for the old ways of celebrating. ( )

This is Washington Irving ( author of Legend of Sleepy Hallow, Rip van Winkle) exploration of some Christmas traditions in Victorian England. Not much of a narrative here but nice language and an interesting exploration. It comes from his 'sketchbook.' ( )

Quick and interesting read about how Christmas was celebrated in the past.

Liked the way it was divided up into the different aspects of Christmas; travelling for the celebration, Christmas Eve, the morning, Christmas dinner.

Interesting to see which traditions have continued, perhaps without people knowing exactly why.

Very well written, Irving painted a picture so you could easily imagine the scenes he was describing.

Would like to know when this was written, I would guess around Victorian era. ( )