Mudd House Victorian Christmas

[L Verge]

Many homes and churches had /have advent wreaths where a candle was lit each of the four Sundays before Christmas, followed (in the church) by the large Christmas candle (and I mean, LARGE). On Christmas Eve, the manager scene/creche would then replace the wreath. I am basing this strictly on my upbringing and faith. Others may have different thoughts.

We didn't always do the advent wreath at our home, but the creche was placed under the tree or on a table on Christmas Eve. And, oh yes, it has been popular throughout the 20th and 21st centuries -- I just don't know about the custom during the 1800s.

Over the years, I have collected several beautiful creches -- which my daughter has stolen for her own house displays.

I failed to mention that Americans often decorate their front lawns and public squares with Nativity scenes - some even perform the story of Christmas with live actors and animals throughout the weeks. Unfortunately, there are also other Americans who now prefer to deface or vandalize these Christian symbols on which our country was originally based -- and the majority and the courts let these minorities do it. Sorry for my religious and political commentary.

Here's a good link to the stories of Nativity scenes: http://site.outdora.com/blog/history-nat...-1909.html