Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Christmas decorations

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Christmas in Colonial Virginia

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Before Christmas

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Feasts and Parties

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Marriage and romance

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Slaves and free blacks

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Men, women, children, and gifts

Christmas in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia: Christmas in contemporary Williamsburg

In colonial times Virginians decked the insides of their homes and churches with GREENERY. They made garlands of evergreens which they strung along banisters and railings, and wrapped around pillars. At home ropes of greenery might dangle from the fireplace mantel. In addition, some pressed sprigs of HOLLY against their window panes, or displayed bouquets of holly and other winter greenery on their tables. They might also strew their homes with herbs, such as ROSEMARY, bay (or LAUREL), lavender, and rose petals, in order to give rooms a fresh scent. Boys often shot down boughs of MISTLETOE from high tree branches so that it could be fashioned into KISSING BOUGHS and other ORNAMENTS. The making of these decorations was usually women’s work.