Old Christmas, celebrated on January 6th, is a tradition that dates back to the switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in the 18th century. This change moved Christmas Day from January 6th to December 25th, but some communities, including parts of Sussex County, continued to observe the old date as well. The portrayal…
French Huguenot settlers fleeing persecution brought unique Christmas traditions to Delaware, shaping local celebrations with carols, customs, and cuisine that endure today.
“Now bring us some figgy pudding, and bring it right here!” demands the 16th-century Christmas carol “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Tastes had changed by the Victorian era; they preferred plum pudding to fig pudding, though the latter was still easily available. Traditional British figgy pudding, dating back to medieval times, is a dense,…
Interior of St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church, Wilmington, DE at Christmas The crisp December air in Wilmington carries the scent of pierogi and the sound of kolędy (Polish carols) as the Polish-American community prepares for Christmas. This celebration, deeply rooted in traditions dating to the 17th century, has found a vibrant home in the heart of…
