Tree Trimmers' Dessert Pary

[donna]

Christmas buffet
gailf548 from New York State, USA [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Many during the 1860s would have Tree Trimming parties. They would gather together and go out and cut down their tree and have family and friends in to decorate.

Christmas was being celebrated in the North by the middle of the 19th century. In 1832 in Camden, Massachusetts, a man named Charles Follen had a lighted Christmas tree in his house and his example was followed by others.

The Germans of New Braunfels, Texas brought their customs of a decorated cedar tree with them to the area. A visitor reported seeing such trees there in 1846.

In the eastern seaboard tree trimming reflected British customs and styles. Handmade Victorian dolls and ornaments were imported and dozens of candles graced the trees. Trees used were cedar, spruce, and pine.

At the Tree Trimmers' Party, one could serve Syllabus, Huguenot Torte, Pumpkin Pecan Pie, Coconut Cream Cake, and Pineapple Pecan Cake. Many would also serve Eggnog.

 

[LoriAnn]

Donna, our whole family had Tree Trimming every year at my grandparents' house. Food, fun, decorations, and quite a bit of shenanigans ~ it's one of my fondest memories of them.

 

[donna]

We had them years ago at my Granny's. She and my aunt would pop popcorn and string it and put around the tree. They also strung cranberries and put around the tree. We all made ornaments and hung them. The tree was put up in formal parlor (living room). There was always a fire in the fireplace. It was a fun time and many memories.

 

[mofederal]

I like this idea, I wished I had known it before we trimmed the tree. I like cranberries too much to use for decorations. Thanks @donna.

 

[Anna Elizabeth Henry]

That's an excellent tradition and it's shame it's still not popular. It's not only an excellent excuse to have a party, but it's a great way to get together with people before Christmas that might be traveling for the holidays and still enjoy the Christmas spirit with them. Also an excellent time to exchange Christmas cookies and recipes!

 

[donna]

With Christmas almost here, we need a Tree Trimming Party as they did years ago.

 

[Jimklag]

With Christmas almost here, we need a Tree Trimming Party as they did years ago.

When the whole family was still in the same city, we always had tree-trimming party - then we scattered across the country.

 

[donna]

Thought bump this thread. I hope all of you have decorated your Christmas tree. I still keep adding ornaments to our tree. Just got 2 new ones as gifts. Love all our ornaments. They all have stories to tell.

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

Our family had a tree trimming party for 40 years, seriously. It grew as the years passed, family, old friends, new friends. It was something I'll always be glad the kids knew, genuine Christmas, tradition, warmth and seeing what it all means. I really miss it. Fell apart when Dad died, the usual family ill will and ridiculous, pointless splits you see happened in our family. Worst part would be theft of something quite magical to future generations. BUT we had it.

I'm the tree decorator now and it's fun although takes awhile. Husband is smitten by large trees- downsized this year to ' only ' 12 feet. Like Donna said, ornaments have stories to tell. That part always gets to me- have quite a few from the old days. It's a blast thinking how much ' Merry ' they've hung over.

 

[donna]

I have ornaments from my Grandma. They from late 19th century and early 1900s. They are so special.

We also use bubble lights on our real tree. I can watch them for hours. Bring back memories. My parents had a bubble light tree for years. It was from 1940s. I haven't seen one of them even in antique stores. I guess there are some still around.

 

[Pat Young]

View attachment 339642
Christmas buffet
gailf548 from New York State, USA [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Many during the 1860s would have Tree Trimming parties. They would gather together and go out and cut down their tree and have family and friends in to decorate.

Christmas was being celebrated in the North by the middle of the 19th century. In 1832 in Camden, Massachusetts, a man named Charles Follen had a lighted Christmas tree in his house and his example was followed by others.

The Germans of New Braunfels, Texas brought their customs of a decorated cedar tree with them to the area. A visitor reported seeing such trees there in 1846.

In the eastern seaboard tree trimming reflected British customs and styles. Handmade Victorian dolls and ornaments were imported and dozens of candles graced the trees. Trees used were cedar, spruce, and pine.

At the Tree Trimmers' Party, one could serve Syllabus, Huguenot Torte, Pumpkin Pecan Pie, Coconut Cream Cake, and Pineapple Pecan Cake. Many would also serve Eggnog.

This is the second post I have seen Follen remarked on today.

A Gift That Never Stops Giving: How Abolitionists Influenced Christmas | Mid-19th Century Life

(Public Domain) In 1834, members of William Lloyd Garrison’s newly formed Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society saw Christmas as an opportunity to expose a society that proclaimed liberty yet held millions in bondage. Women stepped to the forefront of this movement and organized Christmas bazaars...

civilwartalk.com

 

[Pat Young]

I have ornaments from my Grandma. They from late 19th century and early 1900s. They are so special.

We also use bubble lights on our real tree. I can watch them for hours. Bring back memories. My parents had a bubble light tree for years. It was from 1940s. I haven't seen one of them even in antique stores. I guess there are some still around.

They were revived about 20 years ago and are readily available in NY.

 

[Fairfield]

Charles Follen was a professor at Harvard .and, involved in the development of the U.U. church in New England, he was founder of a small church in nearby Lexington. His church still exists today and, every year, sells Christmas trees (the trees are from Maine).

Article from Harvard Gazette: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/st...-brought-first-christmas-tree-to-new-england/

 

[Fairfield]

We also use bubble lights on our real tree. I can watch them for hours. Bring back memories. My parents had a bubble light tree for years. It was from 1940s. I haven't seen one of them even in antique stores. I guess there are some still around.

Online/Catalogue store, the Vermont County Store, sells them. I love them also--but I have a cat: putting bubble lights on a tree is a recipe for disaster . I also have a dog so the charming old custom of hanging goodies is out of the question as well!