Christmas in London
Thursday 27 November 2014
Stephens House
Brenda Cole, a City of London Guide, gave The Jean Scott Memorial Lecture. With Christmas fast approaching, her talk gave an insight into the customs associated with the festive season. Some developed back in the mists of time, others are associated with the Victorian period or have become part of our lives in modern times. The talk was illustrated and featured not only the traditions around Christmas itself but also those of New Year and Twelfth Night, the latter being the recognised end of the mid-winter festivities.
We discovered how it came about that at this time of year we light candles, eat mince pies, give each other presents and decorate fir trees. Also which theatre has a Twelfth Night fancy cake tradition where Father Christmas (aka Santa Claus) originated, and which customs are especially associated with London.
The meeting took place at 8 pm on 27 November 2014 in the Drawing Room at Stephens House.