Christmas Traditions in Boston

Christmas Traditions in Boston
Author: Anthony Mitchell Sammarco
Publisher: America Through Time
Total Pages: 96
Release: 2017-11-06
Genre: History
ISBN: 9781635000573

In 1659, the General Court of Massachusetts Bay Colony banned by law the celebration of Christmas as it was deemed to be a time of seasonal excess with no Biblical authority. Though repealed in 1681, it would not be until 1856 that Christmas Day became a state holiday in Massachusetts. In this book Christmas Traditions in Boston, Anthony Sammarco outlines the celebration (or lack thereof) of Christmas in the first two centuries after the city was settled in 1630. By the mid 19th century a German immigrant named Charles Follen introduced the Christmas tree to Boston, and shortly thereafter Louis Prang introduced his colorful Christmas cards, the first in Boston. During the next century, Boston would see caroling and hand bell ringing on Beacon Hill, a Nativity scene and other traditional New England displays on Boston Common and in the many department stores, as well as the once popular Enchanted Village of Saint Nicholas at Jordan Marsh, New England's largest store. What could have been better than after a day seeing Santa, the seasonal displays and lights on Boston Common than to enjoy a hot fudge sundae at Bailey's? Christmas Traditions in Boston revisits the memories of the past and brings together the shared tradition of how Bostonians celebrated the holiday season.

A Boston Christmas Traditions and Tales

A Boston Christmas Traditions and Tales
Author: Clara L Ray
Publisher: Independently Published
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2023-12-16
Genre: Travel
ISBN:

Dive into the enchanting world of Boston's Christmas celebrations with "Boston Yuletide Chronicles," a captivating exploration of the city's festive spirit that seamlessly weaves together the threads of history, tradition, and contemporary innovation. In this beautifully crafted narrative, each chapter unfolds like a cherished ornament, revealing the rich tapestry of Boston's holiday heritage. Embark on a journey through time in Chapter 1, where the Historic Roots of Boston's Christmas Celebrations come to life. From early colonial customs to the vibrant influence of immigrant communities, discover the stories that have shaped Boston's yuletide traditions over centuries. Chapter 2 invites you to experience the magic of Iconic Boston Christmas Events and Landmarks. Immerse yourself in the glow of the Boston Common Tree Lighting Ceremony, relish the timeless performances of "A Christmas Carol," and skate through the pages of history at the Frog Pond-a celebration of Boston's enduring holiday magic. Indulge your senses in Chapter 3 as we explore the Culinary Delights that grace Boston's Christmas feasts. From Traditional New England fare to the city's unique twists on holiday recipes, savor the flavors that define Christmas in Boston. Historic pubs, contemporary kitchens, and sweet confections take center stage, offering a feast for the palate and a journey through Boston's culinary evolution. Enter the realm of Contemporary Christmas in Chapter 4, where Festivals and Innovations redefine the holiday experience. Witness the fusion of modernity and tradition as Boston transforms into a canvas of light displays, immersive festivals, and vibrant Christmas markets. Community engagement, volunteerism, and local artisan showcases become integral facets of the city's festive identity. "Boston Yuletide Chronicles" is more than a book; it's an invitation to explore the heart of Boston during the most magical time of the year. Through meticulously crafted prose, the narrative paints a vivid picture of the city's Christmas spirit, where past and present harmonize in a celebration that captures the essence of Boston's rich history and dynamic contemporary culture. Whether you're a resident longing to rediscover the city's festive soul or a visitor eager to immerse yourself in Boston's unique holiday traditions, this book promises to be a cherished companion. With each turn of the page, you'll find yourself transported through time, wrapped in the warmth of tradition, and inspired by the innovative spirit that defines Christmas in Boston. "Boston Yuletide Chronicles" is an ode to the city's enduring festive magic-a narrative that unfolds like a winter's tale, inviting you to experience the joy, wonder, and timeless traditions that make Christmas in Boston truly extraordinary.

The Battle for Christmas

The Battle for Christmas
Author: Stephen Nissenbaum
Publisher: Vintage
Total Pages: 400
Release: 2010-12-01
Genre: History
ISBN: 0307760227

PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • Drawing on a wealth of research, this "fascinating" book (The New York Times Book Review) charts the invention of our current Yuletide traditions, from St. Nicholas to the Christmas tree and, perhaps most radically, the practice of giving gifts to children. Anyone who laments the excesses of Christmas might consider the Puritans of colonial Massachusetts: they simply outlawed the holiday. The Puritans had their reasons, since Christmas was once an occasion for drunkenness and riot, when poor "wassailers extorted food and drink from the well-to-do. In this intriguing and innovative work of social history, Stephen Nissenbaum rediscovers Christmas's carnival origins and shows how it was transformed, during the nineteenth century, into a festival of domesticity and consumerism. Bursting with detail, filled with subversive readings of such seasonal classics as "A Visit from St. Nicholas” and A Christmas Carol, The Battle for Christmas captures the glorious strangeness of the past even as it helps us better understand our present.

Jordan Marsh: New England’s Largest Store

Jordan Marsh: New England’s Largest Store
Author: Anthony M. Sammarco
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
Total Pages: 192
Release: 2017
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1467137901

Author and historian Anthony Sammarco reveals the fascinating history of Boston's beloved Jordan Marsh. Jordan Marsh opened its first store in 1851 on Milk Street in Boston selling assorted dry goods. Following the Civil War, the store moved to Winthrop Square and later to Washington Street between Summer and Avon Streets. The new five-story building, designed by Winslow & Wetherell, unveiled the novel concept of department shopping under one roof. It attracted shoppers by offering personal service with the adage that the customer is always right, easy credit, art exhibitions and musical performances. By the 1970s, it had become a regional New England icon and the largest department store chain in the nation.

Make Way for Ducklings

Make Way for Ducklings
Author: Robert McCloskey
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 72
Release: 1999-02-01
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 110165483X

"Robert McCloskey's unusual and stunning pictures have long been a delight for their fun as well as their spirit of place."—The Horn Book Mrs. Mallard was sure that the pond in the Boston Public Gardens would be a perfect place for her and her eight ducklings to live. The problem was how to get them there through the busy streets of Boston. But with a little help from the Boston police, Mrs. Mallard and Jack, Kack, Lack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack arive safely at their new home. This brilliantly illustrated, amusingly observed tale of Mallards on the move has won the hearts of generations of readers. Awarded the Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children in 1941, it has since become a favorite of millions. This classic tale of the famous Mallard ducks of Boston is available for the first time in a full-sized paperback edition. Make Way for Ducklings has been described as "one of the merriest picture books ever" (The New York Times). Ideal for reading aloud, this book deserves a place of honor on every child's bookshelf. "This delightful picture book captures the humor and beauty of one special duckling family. ... McClosky's illustrations are brilliant and filled with humor. The details of the ducklings, along with the popular sights of Boston, come across wonderfully. The image of the entire family proudly walking in line is a classic."—The Barnes & Noble Review "The quaint story of the mallard family's search for the perfect place to hatch ducklings. ... For more than fifty years kids have been entertained by this warm and wonderful story."—Children's Literature

Merry Christmas From Boston

Merry Christmas From Boston
Author: Warner Frances Lester
Publisher: Legare Street Press
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2023-07-18
Genre:
ISBN: 9781020887444

Full of warmth, humor, and holiday cheer, this delightful collection of Christmas stories is sure to delight readers of all ages. From treasured traditions to heartwarming tales of family and friendship, Warner's stories capture the essential magic of the season in a way that is both timeless and deeply inspiring. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Winter Street

Winter Street
Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Publisher: Little, Brown
Total Pages: 218
Release: 2014-10-14
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0316376094

Cozy up with New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand's first Christmas novel, hailed “a diverting tale… filled with humor, romance, and realism” by USA Today, in which a family gathers on Nantucket for a holiday filled with chaos, caroling, and cheer. Kelley Quinn is the owner of Nantucket's Winter Street Inn and the proud father of four, all of them grown and living in varying states of disarray. Patrick, the eldest, is a hedge fund manager with a guilty conscience. Kevin, a bartender, is secretly sleeping with a French housekeeper named Isabelle. Ava, a school teacher, is finally dating the perfect guy but can't get him to commit. And Bart, the youngest and only child of Kelley's second marriage to Mitzi, has recently shocked everyone by joining the Marines. As Christmas approaches, Kelley is looking forward to getting the family together for some quality time at the inn. But when he walks in on Mitzi kissing Santa Claus (or the guy who's playing Santa at the inn's annual party), utter chaos descends. With the three older children each reeling in their own dramas and Bart unreachable in Afghanistan, it might be up to Kelley's ex-wife, nightly news anchor Margaret Quinn, to save Christmas at the Winter Street Inn. Before the mulled cider is gone, the delightfully dysfunctional Quinn family will survive a love triangle, an unplanned pregnancy, a federal crime, a small house fire, many shots of whiskey, and endless rounds of Christmas caroling, in this heart-warming novel about coming home for the holidays. Follow the Quinn family through the entire Winter Street Series: Winter Street Winter Stroll Winter Storms Winter Solstice

Massachusetts Classic Christmas Trivia

Massachusetts Classic Christmas Trivia
Author: Carole Marsh
Publisher: Gallopade International
Total Pages: 40
Release: 2011-03-01
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 0635086328

I spent one winter researching the holiday history, folklore, legend, and more of each and every state,' says Carole marsh. A great coffee-table book or classroom read, this book-in an edition for each U.S. state-shares a wealth of fascinating historical material and trivia about everything from holiday traditions to how we got the Christmas tree, superstitions, and more. From the Yule logs of Maine to snow on the Alamo, you'll love your own state book, but wish you could read them all. Don't forget to send your favorite teacher or grandchild a copy for their state!