A Victorian Christmas in Kensington Palace

's really the Victorians that gave us our 'modern' idea of Christmas. If you'd like to learn more, the 'Victorian Christmas' in Kensington Palace will prove a fascinating exhibition. Early British Christmas Kensington palace was the birthplace and childhood home of the future Queen Victoria. As is relatively well-known, it was the royal family of her time - with particularly prominent contributions from her German husband, Prince Albert - that did much to transform our Christmas festivities and traditions from their Medieval and Georgian roots into something like those we know today. In Victoria's time, aspects such as the Christmas tree (previously the Yuletide log), Christmas cards, and Christmas gift-giving all became popular (gifts had previously been given at New Year), as did the idea of larger-scale Christmas decorations. Although today we still follow some of the ancient pagan and medieval traditions of bringing evergreens into the house (mistletoe and holly), it was really the Victorians who expanded Christmas decoration into an art form. They also introduced the turkey as the 'traditional' meal - previously, goose or sometimes beef had been the traditional dishes. Many of these ideas were communicated through the works of people like Dickens, as well as painters of the time and the modern Christmas took shape. What's On The news that the Palace is running a 'Victorian Christmas' over several days of the holidays will be welcome news to many. There will be plenty to see and do, with staff in costumes of the period, Christmas carols, spooky tales and explorations of the palace. The intention is to re-create a Victorian Christmas in Kensington Palace and, given the venue, it will certainly be traditional. It will also serve to offer an alternative view of Queen Victoria. In modern times she suffers from somewhat of an image problem - in that she's widely perceived to have been a fairly dour and matronly woman of the 'we are NOT amused' variety. That's a pity because it overlooks the fact that she was once young, happily married, and had a large family - even later in her life. As such, Christmas was important to her. The Stark Reality of History At the risk of introducing a slightly sour note, keep in mind that there's a big difference between the concept of a Royal Victorian Christmas and the Christmas most Victorians would have experienced. Poverty was widespread in the 19th century, to a degree that would be incomprehensible to people in modern Britain. Starvation was a very real threat and only a small percentage of the Queen's subjects would have been able to afford any recognisable special Christmas festivities at all. For most, Christmas would have been simply another day's fight for survival. However, that should not detract from the charm and nostalgia of Christmas past in Britain's history, and exhibitions like this help to lift things from the rather dull text-based descriptions of what a Christmas in Kensington Palace would have been like in these times into a visual reality. The exhibition is running through December and early into the New Year and should prove to be popular with visitors of all ages. Matthew Zelinski works for the London Regency Hotel, one of the top Kensington hotels. If you're looking to spend Christmas in Kensington, this wonderful hotel embodies the true flavour of the area, with its traditional regency-style façade and superb facilities. Whether you're looking for accommodation in London for business or leisure, the Regency offers an effortlessly elegant experience. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9238376