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Victorian Christmas

159 Queen's Crescent, Kentish Town

The Victorians introduced many Christmas traditions to Britain from Europe, including the Christmas tree. They sent the first Christmas cards and introduced us to Father Christmas. In addition, they started the tradition of eating turkey or goose on Christmas Day, rather than roast beef.

This picture shows rows of poultry on display outside a Sainsbury’s shop at Christmas. As there were no fridges or freezers, Victorians bought their turkey as late as possible. Sainsbury’s even stayed open late on Christmas Eve so that people could buy them. Most Victorians had their Christmas dinner about 4 o’clock in the afternoon on Christmas Day.

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