Researching Christmas during the Regency was so much fun for me that I eventually wrote a whole book about it. (Regency House Christmas: The Definitive Guide to a
Remarkably Regency Yuletide!) I couldn't help it. The downside of having done this research, however, is that I cringe whenever I see a regency romance set during the holidays on the shelves of a bookstore. Most of them show big Christmas trees on the cover--wrong. Regency homes didn't always have a tree at all and if they did, it was a table-top one, not the big tall type the Victorians popularized.
The regency didn't have the commercialism, the huge number of presents, or Christmas cards, or outdoor caroling parties. ("Carolers" were usually "the waits," a special
town band, who got remuneration for their efforts.) Christmas was more centered around the church calendar, and decoration was mostly live greenery with berries, including mistletoe. So many differences! Was anything the same? Yes. Joy at the birth of the Saviour. I wish you a Merry Christmas. May it be happy, healthy, warm and wonderful. And for a special treat, enjoy a historical romance!

It's Happening Now!

The Christmas Book Contest is LIVE! For the next three weeks I'll be giving away two more copies of the Regency Christmas Book package! (I have two winners already, names will be posted after I hear back from them.)

Leave a comment now! Look around and respond to one post--I'll check comments by date, and you'll be entered in the contest.

To see the huge Christmas package and all the bonus gifts, stop by the Christmas book page on my website: HERE . Have fun with a dash into the past of the holiday season.

Blessings,

Linore
PS: SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG AND YOU'LL BE ENTERED TWICE!