As Americans, one of the traditions that belong to us and is the most widely celebrated holiday is Christmas. Since the colonial era of New York, many unique Christmas traditions have been established which are still celebrated to this day. From decorations to meals, the celebrations during this joyous season varied from the past to the present.
History of Christmas in Colonial New York
In the 1600s, Dutch settlers took over the area which we now know as New York State. Before this period, the original settlers in the area celebrated a local version of the holiday which marked the beginning of the winter season, known as Sinterklaas. This early celebration was quite far removed from the Christmas we know today.
When the early Dutch settlers stumbled upon what would become New Amsterdam, they brought their holiday traditions with them, creating a unique blend of two different cultures. The combination of the two celebrations initiated what would become the first American Christmases.
Popular Festivities
Christmas would usually begin with a special church service. The settlers sang traditional Dutch carols and administered the Lord’s Supper to mark the day.
Following this, there would be other special celebratory activities such as plays, stories, and games. Card games were a popular activity, with some families also attending dances or even going hunting with their guns.
Foods Commonly Eaten During Christmas
The Christmas feast in colonial New York consisted mostly of Dutch dishes, as well as some of the other settlers’ recipes. Dishes would usually include pot roast, chicken, goat, or pork. Other popular side dishes included pumpkin pie and pickled vegetables. Often, the family would bring out their best china sets and silverware to make the meal more extravagant.
Christmas Decorations
Decorations during colonial Christmas were simple yet festive. Homes were decorated with greenery such as evergreen branches and holly leaves, with decorative items such as ribbons and dried fruits hanging from the branches. Candles were lit to illuminate the festivities, and people would often hang strings of popcorn to add some extra ornamentation to the decorations.
Gift Giving Practices
When it came to gift-giving, the Dutch settlers had a festive custom that was quite different from other countries. Traditionally, the father of the family took a wooden shoe, filled it with goodies and treats, and placed it near the chimney the night before Christmas. Children would eagerly search for the shoe to find the gifts inside waiting for them.
It is said that this practice was taken from the legend of St. Nicholas, with children believing that the saint himself had left them the shoe.
Final Thoughts on Christmas Traditions in Colonial New York
The Christmas season of colonial New York saw a variety of interesting customs. From the traditional foods, decorations, and cultural festivities to the unique gift-giving practices, each year people in the area proudly celebrated the holiday and shared warmth and joy with their loved ones. While some aspects of Christmas have changed over the years, the traditional Dutch and other settlers’ customs still remain.
What was once a combination of two different cultures’ celebratory traditions has now evolved into the Christmas we know and love today. By examining the early and traditional practices of our ancestors, we are able to have a better understanding of not just the history of the holiday, but of our own personal traditions and the values they reflect.
