Heroines of the Past
Victorian Christmas
December 1, 2005, Published by A to Z Designs - P.O. Box 429; Wright, WY 82732Amy’s Corner
Merry Christmas!We have all heard of famous Christmas stories such as A Christmas Carol, and Little Women’s opening Christmas scene, but there are many Christmas stories that have been virtually forgotten over the years. I would like to recommend some of these little known books to encourage the Christmas spirit in your family. So grab a cup of hot chocolate and gather around the tree to read these excellent stories aloud.
Because of the Prince of Peace,
Amy
Fantastic Christmas Stories
Certainly Christmas would not be Christmas without reading the story of Jesus’ birth in the Bible.
The Birds’ Christmas Carol by Kate Douglas WigginThe Bird family was blessed with the birth of a little daughter one Christmas and in honor of the season named her Carol. As the girl grew the Christmas holiday always had a special place in her heart because she shared a birthday with her precious Lord. Read this wonderful short novel and you will be blessed.
Gift of the Magi by O. Henry
If you have never read The Gift of the Magi don’t let another Christmas go by without it. Truly a beautiful story of a young married couple who selflessly give of themselves to purchase a special gift for each other. It is full of giving love.
The Quiet Little Woman, a Christmas story by Louisa May Alcott
This little book contains three short Christmas stories, The Quiet Little Woman, Tilly’s Christmas, and Rosa’s Tale. Alcott does a remarkable job of weaving together a heart-warming story. Enjoy this treasure this Christmas!
Christmas Poem
A Christmas Carol by Christina RossettiFrosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty
Jesus Christ.
Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.
Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a Wise Man
I would do my part, -
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.
Ideas to make Christmas truly memorable
- Sing Christmas carols.
- Set aside a day or afternoon and make Christmas presents and ornaments. Your public library should have some books about Christmas decorations and gifts.
- Make a gingerbread house. Ah, great fun!
- Perform a Christmas play. Either reenact the story of Jesus’ birth or write your own script.
- Turn off all the lights except those on the tree, have some instrumental Christmas music playing as background noise, and have everyone share about a special Christmas they have had.
Recommended Website
Have a Victorian ChristmasThis site has information about Victorian gifts, recipes, ideas for decorating, authentic Victorian Christmas cards, stories about famous Christmas Carols, Christmas poems, and much more.