ROCKPORT — The Camden-Rockport Historical Society, next to Hannaford's on Route 1 in Rockport hosted a Victorian Christmas at the Conway Homestead and Cramer Museum on Dec. 1.  Much of what we see today are Christmas traditions that evolved over the last 150 years. The Victorian Christmas is called that because it is associated with Queen Victoria of England and her marriage to Prince Albert of Germany.

In 1841, Prince Albert introduced the charming custom of a decorated tree to the royal family. In 1850, an etching of a decorated tree at Windsor Castle was published and the Tannenbaum became a “must have,” for every Victorian home.  Trees were set up for the Christmas season decorated with lighted candles, tinsel, ribbon, paper chains, cookies, candies and fruit filled cornucopias, even popcorn. Yes, many parts were edible.

Mistletoe, Santa Claus, exchanging gifts and caroling are all wonderful examples of traditions began in the Victorian Era.

So what about that caroling? Caroling is purely English and was quickly embraced in America. Strolling carolers are seen in every New England town. In Victorian England they would appear in groups of three, one caroler to play violin, one to sing and one to sell sheet music. Holiday shoppers would purchase the music, joining in for a few minutes, before continuing on home. Carolers would stop at houses to sing, as well, hoping to be invited in for a warm drink, or a drink that might warm you.

We have Macy’s Department Store in New York City to thank for the commercialization of the holiday. In the 1880s, they filled their windows with dolls from all over the world and mechanical toys. And believe it or not, it was Coca Cola who gave us the present day image of the jolly old fat man in red with a big flowing beard.

So let’s get back to the concept of the Victorian Christmas and the Cramer Museum. You can see firsthand how it all began. It’s a wonderful glimpse back in time where it was all about family and the simple things that could be done around the house to make the holiday special.