Christmas traditions

Press, 19 December 1989, Page 20

Christmas traditions

Carols Christmas carols began with new words written to old tunes or dances. It was not until the 19th century that original carols were written especially for Christmas Christmas cards The first postmen in England were called Robins because of their brightly coloured red jackets. They become a popular feature on Christ-

mas cards, as well as the bird. Cards were very expensive due to early printing methods. Now Christmas cards are exchanged among friends and the cards are very much a part of the Christmas decorations. Christmas Trees Christmas trees were originally decorated with edible gifts such as apples, gingerbread and nuts. These were very heavy and gradually lighter decorations were introduced. Christmas Puddings The Christmas pudding was first called plum pudding because it was made with dried plums and prunes. Lucky charms and coins were added when the family stirred the pudding.

Christmas Crackers In 1847 the first Christmas cracker was invented by a sweet maker by the name of Tom Smith. They were first marketed as “Bon Bons” and sold as twists of paper with sugared almonds inside. Gradually more novelties were included inside the cracker and in 1860 he designed the ‘bang’ that could be pulled apart.