Most of our modern Christmas traditions—the decorated tree, greeting cards, elaborate gift-giving—were popularized during the Victorian era. Whether you celebrate the holiday or simply appreciate historical fashion and craftsmanship, there's something fascinating about how the Victorians approached this season and what we can learn from their emphasis on handmade, thoughtful creations.
How the Victorians Invented Our Modern Christmas
Many of the Christmas traditions we take for granted today actually became popular during the Victorian era. The Christmas tree, for example, had existed in Germany for centuries, but it was Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who made it fashionable in England—and eventually, the world. When the Illustrated London News published a sketch of the royal couple with their decorated tree in 1848, everyone wanted one. Royal influence at its finest!
The original from The Illustrated London News of 1848, showing Victoria and Albert
The tradition of bringing evergreen branches indoors goes back even further—to ancient Roman Saturnalia festivals celebrating the winter solstice. Those winter branches symbolized the promise of spring to come, a beautiful reminder during the darkest time of year.
Victorian England also gave us the Christmas card. The first printed card was created in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole—who had just reformed the British postal system—as a practical way to send seasonal greetings to friends and family.
Once the tradition started, it spread rapidly thanks to improved postal services and the Victorians' love of sentimental gestures.
Create Your Own Victorian Handmade Gift
Victorian Christmas was all about elegance and thoughtfulness. The holiday season meant dressing in rich fabrics—velvet was especially popular for its warmth and elegance, accented with lace and silk ribbons. But beyond the fashion, what truly defined a Victorian Christmas was the emphasis on handmade gifts. Women would spend months creating beautiful accessories for loved ones: embroidered handkerchiefs, hand-sewn reticules, needle cases—items that represented time, skill, and genuine care. A hand-stitched bag wasn't just functional; it was a work of art, a piece of the maker's heart.
This tradition of thoughtful, handmade gifts is something we can revive today. Historical-inspired accessories like reticules make wonderful projects—they're surprisingly quick to sew yet look stunning when finished.
My newly released ESTELLE pattern is a Victorian-inspired reticule based on a historical tobacco pouch design, reimagined in practical dimensions for carrying your everyday essentials.
CHARLOTTE and LILY are other wonderful Victorian bag patterns perfect for this kind of project. You can sew these as thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts in fabrics chosen specifically for your recipient, or gift the pattern itself to someone who loves sewing—a gift that keeps on giving.
A Victorian Christmas in Your Own Way
Whether you're drawn to the elegant fashion of the era or the meaningful tradition of handmade gifts, there's something special about bringing a touch of Victorian Christmas into our modern celebrations. It reminds us to slow down, to create with intention, and to give gifts that truly mean something.
This holiday season, I hope you find joy in creating—whether that's sewing a velvet jacket for yourself, stitching a reticule for a friend, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and care that goes into handmade items.
Happy sewing, and happy holidays! 🎄✨
Sources & Further Reading
Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford. "The Victorians and Christmas." https://www.ashmolean.org/article/victorians-and-christmas
Royal Collection Trust. "A Victorian Christmas at Windsor Castle." https://www.rct.uk/collection/stories/a-victorian-christmas-at-windsor-castle
Museum of London. "Why Are These Victorian Christmas Cards So Weird?" https://www.londonmuseum.org.uk/collections/london-stories/why-are-these-victorian-christmas-cards-so-weird/
World History Encyclopedia. "Victorian Christmas Cards." https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2125/victorian-christmas-cards/
For a deeper dive into the Roman Saturnalia and their connection to modern celebrations, my friend and collaborator Domina Historia has just published excellent resources on the topic:
- Domina Historia. "Saturnalia: La Festa Romana che ha Ispirato il Natale e il Carnevale." https://www.dominahistoria.it/saturnalia-la-festa-romana-che-ha-ispirato-il-natale-e-il-carnevale/
- Domina Historia. "Saturnalia" (YouTube video). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0xhZV1CncA