Today's post is from guest blogger Cindy Cragg, home stylist for WILLIAMSBURG®, www.williamsburgmarketplace.com, the lifestyle brand of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
It’s no secret that Colonial Williamsburg’s holiday season is filled with decorations flaunting a wide array of fresh fruits and greenery. However, fruit is not the only decorative option. The annual decorating contest of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area homes allows the use of anything that would have been available in 18th-century Williamsburg.
Playing cards, children’s toys, dolls and musical instruments are all items that have found their way onto a wreath in years past. Gather up items that are representative of your family’s interests to create a door decoration that is sure to become a fun family tradition for years to come. Don’t forget to take pictures to document how your wreath evolves with each year’s new adventures.
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Or kick off your holiday celebration as we do here in Williamsburg with your own rendition of our Grand Illumination. In 18th-century Williamsburg, candles were placed in the windows to celebrate a homecoming or birthday but today the windows of the historic area light up annually, the first weekend in December, to commemorate the beginning of the holiday season. For an authentic look, coordinate with neighbors to light electric or battery operated candles in the windows at a specific time. Or organize your neighborhood to place votive candles in lanterns and line the driveway for an illuminating weekend in December.
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Christmas festivities in the 18th-century primarily took place the twelve days that followed Christmas Day. This time was filled with socializing, dining, and dancing. Why not remember this historically significant time by visiting friends and neighbors that you rarely see. Make a tradition of picking 12 people that you meant to catch up with during the year and pay them a visit during this time with a gift of candies, wine, or fresh flowers!!
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From everyone at Colonial Williamsburg, have a safe and happy holiday season!
View more wreaths.
