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Colonial Williamsburg for the Holidays
by Bonnie Neely
Photos by Bill Neely
Williamsburg, VA, is a wonderful place for the family to visit at any time of year, but during Christmas season it is especially beautiful, with handmade decorations in the style of early Colonial days when Williamsburg was the Capital of the British Colonies. The richest, most independent of the colonies, she gave birth to the idea of the United States of America as a democratic union. Historians, archeologists, and costumed interpreters transport you to the year 1774 when this was still a British Colony. You'll see life lived as it was over 200 years ago, in tenent houses with no paint or foundations, just as 70 percent of colonists lived then. Even slave quarters were better in most cases. You'll tour the Governor's Palace, which was home to seven Royal Governors who ruled over this, the largest British Colony in America, which later was divided into eight states. In the Magazine you'll learn about artillery of the period.
Colonial Williamsburg is the nation's largest living history museum, with 301 acres which include 88 original buildings, and hundreds of other homes, shops, and public buildings which have been reconstructed on their original foundations according to historic records. A week would not be enough time to experience fully all that is offered here, and program schedules vary throughout the year, with emphasis on making history FUN. Colonial Williamsburg Foundation also operates five excellent museums on the property, with tremendous collections of items from the 18th century, to make the experience of history easy to understand and enjoy. Tickets can be purchased in a variety of prices, but the best value is the all-inclusive one.
During the holiday season you'll want to visit Colonial Williamsburg Nursery to try your hand at making wreaths and table decorations from natural leaves, berries, fruits, and cones in the way our ancestors did. Talented master gardeners from the area volunteer thousands of hours and serve as your teachers for this fun project. If time is limited or you feel untalented, you can purchase beautiful decorations already made. You'll also want to take the holiday decorations guided tour to learn all the details of Colonial Festivities and entertaining.
Evening is a very special time with Fife and Drum parade by torchlight and the historic outdoor theater, which you'll find fun, informative, and entertaining. Arrive early because the limited seating fills quickly, and dress warmly. Historically accurate stories are portrayed, preserving oral tradition, and the actors wear some of the 50,000 historical items from the clothing department. Men wore linen shirts with ruffles as their only undergarment and these doubled as a nightgown. Knit cotton stockings must have been uncomfortable and often droopy as they were one size for all, men and women. A gentleman's cotton waistcoat was silk lined and had three or four dozen brass buttons, and he always tucked a monogrammed, lace hanky in his pocket. His knee breeches showed off his calves. Well developed calf muscles showed the man could ride horses and fence with skill. A triangular hat was cocked on his wig or his own hair, which was always in a single pigtail. Gentlemen did not want broad shoulders, which were the mark of a laborer.
Women wore a long wool cloak and a wool shawl over their shoulders, a linen shift, undershirt, and underwear to mid-calf. These also were their nightwear. Over the shift they wore a separate garment with stays, laced but not tightly. These were to keep good posture and were laced to expand for pregnancy.
Most enlightening was our experience at the hat shop. Women always wore white caps to cover their hair because washing hair was such an ordeal. These caps helped keep dust out or hide dirty hair. In order to have a shampoo the water had to be hauled from the source, heated on a fire, and then the hair washed. Usually the water scalded her at first and was cold quickly before the hair was rinsed. Then there was no way to dry her hair except by the fire, which meant the risk of catching a cold in winter or getting too hot in summer! Wigs were popular for both men and women.
You'll learn so many fun and fascinating facts as history comes alive for you throughout your stay. Children will have fun when they ask a question which is out of the time period. A blank stare from the period actor may accompany the response of ,"I'm sorry but I don't know what you are talking about."Your children will delight in purchasing 18th century replica toys and trinkets and collectibles of all kinds in the various shops. Many demonstrations in making items of the day are valuable information for all the family.
There are many places to stay in and around Williamsburg, including the elegant historic Williamsburg Inn; Williamsburg Lodge, a perfect facility for families; Williamsburg Woodlands Hotel & Suites, the newest hotel property; The Governor's Inn, which is the most moderately priced hotel. Real history buffs can choose to experience authentic 18th century life by staying in a Colonial House, one of the guest houses in the middle of this historic place, living as if you are really there in 1774, (but be sure you are fully aware of what that reality is!)
There are several places to eat in Colonial Williamsburg, and several are very elegant and pricey. Our favorite was the sumptious holiday fare dinner by candlelight and firelight at the King's Arms, and the meal was delicious and memorable.
For reservations for any of these accommodations call 757-220-7286, or click here.
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