Christmas in July Victorian Style! (ep 65)

When Victoria and Albert married in 1840, they consciously set
about improving the image of the monarchy. Creating a family
Christmas, with children gathered around the tree, was an
essential part of this. With their Christmas tree as a
centerpiece, the royal family was ready to create a
picture-perfect Christmas. In 1848, the Illustrated London News
featured a drawing of the royal family celebrating around a
decorated Christmas tree. Eager to share the image of
family-centered royals, especially at Christmas, Victoria and
Albert were happy to have the image published. The popularity of
the Christmas tree grew rapidly in Britain after the image
appeared. 

A few years later, in 1860, an image of Queen Victoria, Prince
Albert, and their children decorating the tree was featured in
Godey’s Lady’s Book. The growing popularity of Christmas and the
Christmas tree helped make the royal family seem like a benefit
to the British people. Even into the 20th century, images of the
young Victoria and Albert decorating the Christmas tree continued
to emerge. For example, in the 1910 Life of Queen Victoria for
Boys and Girls by Alice Corkran features an image of the young
queen and prince consort, with a couple of their young children,
decorating the Christmas tree. The image of the royal family
celebrating around a Christmas tree became permanently connected
with Victoria’s reign. 

Like A Christmas Carol, the popularity of A Visit from St.
Nicholas helped shape the perception of Christmas and continues
to do so today. Likewise, the efforts of Victoria and Albert,
supported by economic and technological advances, were essential
to the transition of Christmas from a quiet celebration at the
beginning of the 19th century to the modern celebration we enjoy
today.


History shows us what's possible.