Discover Victorian Holiday Traditions at the Schoolhouse

If you’ve ever wondered where our Christmas traditions originated, you’ll want to attend Victorian Holiday Traditions at the Schoolhouse. This event takes place at the historic Churchville One-Room Schoolhouse on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. You’ll get answers to questions such as why we send holiday cards, where Santa got his red suit, and who had the first Christmas tree. At McGrath Elmhurst Toyota, we’re impressed by all the cultural events in our community, including this one presented by the Elmhurst History Museum.

Victorian Christmas traditions were quite different from the modern celebrations we have today. Christmas trees were first introduced to England in the 1840s. By the end of the 19th century, they had become a popular symbol of the holiday season. Families would decorate their trees with candles, homemade ornaments, and strings of popcorn. Christmas carols were sung in the streets, and children often received small gifts like oranges or nuts. On Christmas Day, families would gather for a traditional feast of roast beef, plum pudding, and mince pies. After dinner, the family would gather around the fire to tell stories and sing carols.

Victorian Holiday Traditions at the Schoolhouse is led by historian Valerie Gugala. She regularly speaks at schools, libraries, park districts, churches, and senior groups throughout the United States.

The Churchville One-Room Schoolhouse provides the setting for this engaging talk. Built in 1850, it’s one of Illinois’s last remaining one-room schoolhouses. It has been restored and is now used for school and community programs. The schoolhouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Date and Time:
Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, 2-3 p.m.

Location:
Churchville Schoolhouse
3N784 Church Rd.
Bensenville, IL 60106

Admission:
Free to Elmhurst Heritage Foundation Members, $5 for non-members. Registration is required. Register at www.eventbrite.com/e/450833052797. Note, this event is limited to 30 participants.

For More Information:
Call 630-833-1457 or visit www.elmhursthistory.org.