The kids are out of school. Relatives are on their way. It’s that special time of year when everyone comes together to celebrate. This annual holiday gathering has been an American tradition since colonial times and while many things have changed, coming together with loved ones to eat, drink, and be merry has stood the test of time. As you and yours prepare to spread cheer and make memories, take this quick Colonial Christmas quiz and be inspired by the jollity of the forefathers.
And if you are looking to start a new tradition of your own, there’s nothing better than sharing a meal with friends and family at a Colonial Williamsburg Historic Tavern. Shields Tavern will be open on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25th, and offering an 18th-century style feast from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Click here for more details and call 1-855-711-0885 to make your reservations.
Now on to the quiz!
Which of these would you NOT expect to see on a colonial Christmas table?
A. Beef
B. Ham
C. Goose
D. Apples
Singing carols was a favorite Christmas tradition for colonial Virginians. Some popular songs like “The First Noel” and “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen” are still around today, while others may not be quite as familiar. Which of these titles was a colonial Christmas staple?
A: I Saw Three Ships
B: The Snow on the Trees
C: It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
D: Hang the Holly
Colonial Virginians celebrated Epiphany (or the Twelve Days of Christmas) with balls, parties, and weddings on the last day. What date were these festivities traditionally held?
A: December 25
B: December 31
C: January 1
D: January 6
Colonial homes and churches were filled with flowers and herbs during Christmas to provide holiday scents. All of these aromatics were common except which of the following?
A: Lavender
B: Rosemary
C: Cinnamon
D: Rose Petals
Alcohol was also a key component in making Christmas merry for colonial Virginians. One could expect plenty of wine, brandy, and which of these to be passed around the table?
A: Ale
B: Meade
C: Rum Punch
D: Rye Whiskey
Huzzah! You made it to the end of the quiz (we promised it would be quick!).
If you’re looking for more ways to extend the joy of the holiday season, you won’t want to miss Mrs. Campbell’s Holiday Tea, offered daily from December 26 to December 30. Afternoon tea includes savory bites, breads, and sweets paired with holiday harp melodies at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern. Click here to make your reservation today.
Answer key:
D (In colonial times, it was difficult to preserve fresh fruit and vegetables for a winter celebration, so fresh meats carried the Christmas feast.), A, D, C, C
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