Curious about colonial-era festivities? Join Newsearay’s Saqib Ul Islam on an immersive journey through time at the iconic Mount Vernon estate. Once the residence of George Washington, the United States’ inaugural president, this revered landmark offers a captivating glimpse into the holiday customs of the 1770s. As one of the country’s most frequented historical sites, Mount Vernon faithfully maintains the celebratory traditions of America’s formative years for modern visitors to experience and enjoy.,
America’s Founding Fathers celebrated the holidays in various ways, influenced by their diverse backgrounds and the traditions of the time. Here are some highlights of how they might have celebrated:
1. **George Washington**: As a Virginia planter, Washington celebrated Christmas with feasting, dancing, fox hunting, and attending church services. He also gave gifts to his servants and slaves. The holiday was more of a social season than a religious observance, with the Twelve Days of Christmas marked by balls and parties.
2. **John Adams**: Adams, a New Englander, came from a Puritan background where Christmas was not widely celebrated. However, he respected the day as a religious holiday and spent it quietly with family.
3. **Thomas Jefferson**: Jefferson enjoyed Christmas as a time for family and friends. He hosted dinners and was known for giving gifts to family members and his slaves, often including practical items or small luxuries.
4. **Benjamin Franklin**: Franklin, with his love for convivial gatherings, likely celebrated the holidays with social events and intellectual discussions. He might have also engaged in charitable acts, as he was known for his civic-mindedness.
5. **John Jay**: As a devout Christian, Jay would have observed Christmas primarily as a religious holiday. He attended church services and spent time with his family.
During this period, New Year’s Day was often more widely celebrated than Christmas, especially in the northern colonies. It was common for the Founding Fathers to exchange New Year’s calls, where they would visit each other’s homes to offer well wishes for the new year.
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