Dear Friends,

What a joy the thought of Christmas is. Some people suggest it is “just for the children” but I don’t agree with that idea.

Christmas breaks up the dullness of the long dark days, cold weather and itchy jumpers. There is fun, if you are determined there will be, and lovely food as well as some of the most entertaining theatre and TV. The friends and family who sometimes only get in touch a couple of times a year will ring or send cards.

Historically the Christmas holiday it has always been important to society in England going back to Roman times, when Christianity arrived and mixed up with some pre-Christian traditions. Much the same thing happened again with the Vikings when they settled, as they brought their own beliefs with them, and they and Christianity jogged alongside each other, for a while at least.

The famous Yule log had to burn for a whole twelve days and nights, so had to be huge and was tended carefully to ensure it didn’t burn out or it would bring bad luck, as the sun might not return in the Spring if the Yule log burned out too soon. Then the vast wassail bowl  – usually made of carved wood -would be passed around the guests for each to take a turn to drink. Hot ale, often mixed with brandy and floated with thin slices of spiced apple, is one recipe that was enjoyed. Upon taking a sip of this intoxicating drink, the guests would all shout “Wassail, all hail”. It was a way of binding people together, as they drank from the same bowl.

Mummers would come to the door, often a number of groups in any one day, in the weeks leading up to Christmas and over the whole twelve nights. They would be dressed in shredded bright rags like ribbons, wildly decorated hats and some had musical instruments such as drums or recorders. They would make a terrific noise and the more talented would perform short plays. All this in return for being asked in and given food and drink, or even a little money. Mummers carried on until the Victorian period before gradually dying out. A vestige of them can still be seen in today’s Morris Dancers and Border Reivers.

Gifts were not given after church on Christmas morning, but instead on Twelfth Night, to represent the gold, frankincense and myrrh presented to the infant Jesus. Many continental countries still treat Christmas Day as a religious festival, and give the presents on Twelfth Night.

Here at the Castle we are happily sold out for our Christmas events, and intend to put on more next year. I am now announcing my new character (after many years of pressure) – Florence Nightingale –  who made such a difference to nursing and medical practice as a whole. I am currently researching her, and she was a fascinating individual. She will be available to see from May onwards at various events at the Castle, so do just put your name down if you would like to meet her, and we will give you some dates in the New Year to see if you are available.

In the New Year we are turning up the romance by offering a wedding ceremony in our Great Hall, with prosecco and a three course meal for 10 guests including the happy couple, at just £800.  To eat in the candlelit Great Hall with an intimate group has its own unforgettable romance. The registrar has to be paid separately, as is always the case, but for those who would love to get married at the castle but have a tight budget, January, February and March are the months the offer is available, and one couple have booked a blessing in February after many years of marriage, so we are all looking forward to that.

So do think of those bright days, telling tales in front of the fire, singing together and dancing, all giving society a much-needed lift out of the dark and cold season. Do find again the joy of Christmas in its non-commercial sense, and find love and joy as we continue to celebrate being together with a sense of peace and hope.

Sending best wishes and joy to all,

Lesley Smith

CURATOR