First Day of Christmas(tide) ~ December 25

The First Day of Christmastide: Christmas Day

Christmas Day hardly needs an introduction. For Christians around the world, it marks the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. But beyond the spiritual significance, Christmas Day is a time for family, festivity, and joy. From the early hours of the morning, this day is filled with celebration. It continues until the late evening. This marks the official start of Christmastide. It’s a time for exchanging gifts, enjoying a grand feast, and making memories with loved ones.

A Sacred Beginning: Midnight Mass and Morning Celebrations

The festivities of Christmas Day traditionally began at midnight with Midnight Mass. Church bells rang out across the land. They announced the birth of Christ and called the faithful to celebrate this holy occasion. Candles were lit in churches and homes, symbolizing the light of Christ entering the world. The sound of hymns and prayers filled the air, bringing peace and joy to all who gathered in worship.

In Tudor times, this sacred observance was an important part of the day’s celebrations. Following the Mass, people would return to their homes to continue the holiday. Everyone would dress in their finest clothes, with the wealthy and royalty especially putting on their best attire. Henry VIII, for example, wore new clothes on Christmas Day. The royal attendants and servants received new garments as gifts too. The exchange of gifts, especially clothing, was a way to honor the festive spirit of the season.

The Grand Christmas Feast

Once the religious observances were complete, the main event of Christmas Day would unfold: the Christmas feast. The food served on Christmas Day was rich and abundant, a welcome change after the month-long fast of Advent. The day’s meals were as extravagant as possible. There was a wide variety of dishes that reflected both the season and the wealth of the household. Even the poorest households would have some sort of feast relative to their usual fare.

For the wealthy, the meal often began with plum porridge. This is a thick meat broth made with plums, spices, dried fruits, and wine. This doesn’t sound very tasty to my modern taste buds. But back then this hearty dish would warm the body and prepare the guests for the courses to come. The feast would continue with a selection of roasted meats, such as boar, venison, and various birds. Brawn was also served. It is a meat jelly or terrine made from the head of a pig, calf, sheep, or cow. This dish is set in aspic and eaten cold.

Poorer families often dined on goose, as it was one of the more affordable meats available at the time. Whether wealthy or humble, everyone that could, would enjoy a festive meal in the spirit of Christmas.

There was also a variety of side dishes. These included pies, stuffing, and frumenty (a sweet porridge made with wheat, eggs, milk, spices, fruits, and sugar). Brussels sprouts may also have been on Tudor tables, being that the first written reference dates back to 1538.

Treats for All: Mince Pies and Gingerbread

A Christmas feast would not be complete without desserts! Mince pies, filled with a mixture of meats, fruits, & spices, were a popular treat in Tudor times. Thankfully over time, the recipe became the sweet, fruit-filled pies we have today. Gingerbread has been a long been a beloved Christmas treat. It was often served in elaborate shapes. These included figures of angels, animals, & even people. They are much like our gingerbread men and ladies of today.

For those at court (the ultra-wealthy), these indulgent foods signified wealth. They represented the extravagance that marked the Tudor royal celebrations. However, Christmas Day meals were not just about food. They were about coming together to celebrate the birth of Christ. People shared in the joy of the season and enjoyed the warmth of community.

A Day of Celebration for All

Christmas Day has always been a day of feasting, joy, and goodwill. The first day of Christmastide was a time to pause and give thanks. Everyone, whether at court with the king or at home with family, would revel in the blessings of the season. The combination of religious observance, family traditions, and hearty meals made Christmas Day a time for reflection and celebration.

Today, we continue many of our cherished traditions. These include attending church services, gathering for family meals, and exchanging gifts. We also add new ones, like the modern Christmas tree and Santa Claus. These are German traditions that became popular in Victorian times. At its heart, Christmas Day remains a sacred time. It celebrates the birth of Christ, along with the love and joy that come with it.

As Christmastide unfolds, remember that Christmas Day is not just about the presents or the food. It’s about the people we love. It’s about the faith that binds us together. Whether it’s a lavish feast or a simple meal, the spirit of Christmas shines through. It shines in the love shared around the table and in the hearts of those who come together to celebrate.

As we enjoy our Christmas feasts and exchange gifts this year, let’s take a moment to reflect. We should consider the historic meaning of Christmas. Let’s appreciate the many traditions. These traditions bring us closer to each other. They connect us to the heart of the season.

Christmas(tide) Eve ~ December 24