Trying Victorian Christmas Traditions

[@prathiksha4292]

It's soo lovely to listen to Ruby talk so passionately about topics she loves, whilst she is just going about doing her Christmasy chores. It adds a personal touch to the whole video nd I absolutely love it

[@skinni_the_P00hBear]

My obsession with the Victorian Era always comes back during the holidays lol. My English professor gave me a list of Victorian books that I might like. Can't wait to get to them 😁

[@ninanora8842]

Can you post the list here? Please!

[@skinni_the_P00hBear]

@@ninanora8842 yeah. I'll look for the email my professor sent tomorrow and paste the list here 😊

[@skinni_the_P00hBear]

@@jessesotheysay oh wow....that's cool! Mines comes from the American Girl doll series, with the Victorian girl doll lol.

[@kokojakes]

Thank you in advance for sharing the list!

[@allisonmarie9658]

That’s so cool!

[@hayleychipper6458]

I love Christmas pudding. Something we only ever eat in December, but its definitely something we look forward to. They're delicious, but probably couldn't eat them every year. I live in Australia, so christmas is in summer for us. Generally a really hot day, so always amusing to see how many British traditions have carried over for our Christmas traditions - pudding, roast dinner etc.

[@HorrorGirlNat]

It's also interesting learning how the Tudors celebrated Christmas.

[@stonefree67]

Very cozy and interesting at the same time. Always enriching to learn about historical ways and traditions. Victorian era traditions isn´t so well known to me as being swedish other than watching shows with Lucy Worsley,Susannah Lipscomb and so on. Now adding Ms "Granger" to that select outfit. Very interesting as i mentioned. Happy Christmas 🎄to you and everybody else. Cheers from Stockholm and take care.🙂

[@janefaceinthewind6260]

I would love to watch something about how Prince Albert influenced Christmas traditions in Britain, I believe he brought a lot of the traditions over from Germany but I don't know too much about it.

[@MC-ko2mx]

I believe he popularised the Christmas tree, and brought a family focus to Christmas (as he did with a lot of things).

[@i.wyvernortham]

There seems to have always been a lot of historical debate surrounding who started the british christmas tradition of christmas trees. Some sources would argue that the custom of displaying Christmas trees was introduced to Britain in the late eighteenth century by Queen Charlotte, wife and Queen Consort of George III, although it was a yew tree rather than a fir that was used. But others would say that christmas trees were first popularised in the UK by Prince Albert, husband and Prince Consort of Queen Victoria. Prince Albert was German, and thought that it would be good to use one of his ways of celebrating Christmas in England. Although it isn't always clear when christmas trees came to Britain and who they were introduced by, Prince Albert did bring many German Christmas traditions to Britain with him. He and Victoria included many in their own family celebrations, which were reflected throughout British households and continued today.

[@giddygrub7176]

Yes, I believe he popularised the Christmas tree in the UK. The Royal family also open gifts on Christmas Eve which I think is a German tradition.

[@sophlandtoo]

I won the planner giveaway and received my card last night. Thank you so much for your words I am so grateful and merry Christmas, couldn't think of a more perfect festive video

[@Tia-vf2pq]

Do you live in the UK? I'm asking because I won it too but I haven't got it yet

[@concealersmudges]

this is, by far, one of my favourite videos you've made. I liked the educational content but delivered in a chatty/ casual format, i felt like I wanted to do these things with you and learn along the way, your knowledge and interest for the subject always shines through. merry christmas!!

[@penultimateh766]

I actually like this more informal style of video, especially with the subtle wisecracks! Also Ruby's sweater and brooch are nice. And she looks as pretty as always!

[@mariek9892]

That’s so funny about nobody really liking Christmas pudding. We call it fruit cake in the US and it’s a common joke that a single fruit cake can get passed around as a “re-gift” throughout the season since nobody wants it!

[@smaugishvlog]

American Christmas fruit cake and Christmas pudding aren't the same thing. Also, Ruby generalises a lot here! Most people I know really like (a proper) Christmas pudding

[@giddygrub7176]

I think many people don't like Christmas cake but do like Christmas pudding (plum pudding).

[@AhmetKaan]

*To all the dreamers out there, don't ever let the world's negativity disenchant you or your spirit. If you surround yourself with love and right people, ANYTHING is possible.* 🙏🖤

[@MithrilMagic]

Have you ever read “Christmas Day in the Workhouse” by George Robert Sims? Every year I think of that. It’s always difficult for me at Christmas because I love how in the Victorian period Christmas as we know it now evolved. However, as a social worker, Christmas is such a hard time for me. I am constantly surrounded by those who have so little. It’s very bittersweet. You’re right though, now more than ever, being with those we love is the best gift one can receive.

[@lapsangwithlanae5705]

I am a social worker also and completely agree with the sentiment.

[@MithrilMagic]

@@lapsangwithlanae5705 It’s a hard job but very rewarding. (Not monetarily, lol) but I don’t think anyone ever says “I’m going to become a social worker to get rich.” Haha! I was in the field for 15 years but now I do freelance grant writing and demographics. I’ll return to the field someday but my husband and I are foster parents and plan to adopt.

[@lapsangwithlanae5705]

@@MithrilMagic I work in child welfare and appreciate what you and your husband are doing very much!

[@janefaceinthewind6260]

How fascinating, so many things in this video that I didn't know yet! In Germany, Santa Claus is called Sankt Nikolaus and has his own celebration day, the 6th December. It is like a miniature Christmas. The legend says that he doesn't come with a sleigh and reindeer, but riding from the North Pole on a white horse, dressed like a bishop, wearing red and gold. The night before the 6th, children leave plates out in the garden with a sugar cube on them which is for the horse. The next morning, the cube will be gone but the plates will be full of gingerbread, apples, tangerines, nuts and marzipan. He is based on the real Saint Nicholas of Myra. I think Santa Claus is based on him, but I am not sure if Father Christmas is...?

[@ScarletClarity]

Oh we have the same thing in Slovenia! He is called Miklavž or Sveti Nikolas and he brings mandarines, wallnuts and dried figs on the 6th of December!

[@xoalenaxox]

oha komme auch aus Deutschland und kenne das mit dem Zuckerwürfel gar nicht 😂 interessant!

[@TheSeptemberRose]

I used to be married to a Dutch guy and they celebrated Sinterklaas Day and Sinterklaas wore a bishop's hat and rode a white horse and had his little helper Zwarte Piet and everyone would get a chocolate letter....which would be the letter of your first name usually, made from the finest Dutch chocolate. It was delicious.

[@mauuuddd]

It is kind of the same like Sinterklaas/Sint Nikolaas in Belgium. Kids also leave sugar cubes or a carrot for the horse. He also wears red and gol d. But he does not come from the North Pole but from Spain. Also brings gingerbread cookies, tangerines, marzipan, chocolate and presents!

[@anijahn7934]

I think thats more dutch than german 😅 In Germany we are cleaning our shoes in the evening an putting them in front of the door or the fireplace :)

[@keithhealing1115]

Plum puddings also hark back to Mediaeval times when the English loved mixing spices and fruit with meat. Mince pies originally contained minced beef, spices, fruit and brandy (I have made them before and they are really, really good).

[@teagalore]

When you mentioned Christmas markets and Dickens writing about the abundance/links to consumerism, it links nicely into a module I did about Postmodern Culture! The shops were designed and decorated to look full of abundance so people think it's overflowing with items and to pique their interest, therefore spending money etc

[@gabrielle5715]

I'm french-Canadian, but my family eats christmas pudding every christmas. My great-grandmother loved the UK, she loved the queen, and she thought everything english was so fancy, so she wanted to do everything like they did! So now we have to eat Christmas pudding every year even though we all hate it hahaha

[@CrisOnTheInternet]

Lol, you're so kind to her but I couldn't eat something I don't like

[@curtwild7392]

In Poland we have totally different traditions, we celebrate Christmas Eve dinner, which is very ritual, there are lots of rules for it! :)After dinner we give presents and at midnight we go to church.

[@limeparticle]

Christmas pudding became associated with the British Empire only in the 1920s :) also now I’m super curious as to how Dickens’s public readings were notorious, I thought they were thought to be wonderful? Edit: I googled it, and the first Christmas card was coloured by a professional colourer, a Mr. Mason. The Postal Museum website has this info :)

[@02TheAnne]

I loved how natural, chill and chatty this vid was, and how you were able to share studies about the Victirian era. Amazing (as always)!

[@ameliabaker2886]

Hi Ruby, it’d be amazing if you could film a mug collection video, I’d love to know your favorites, the story behind each mug and some small shops suggestions cause I’m in desperate need of a new mug 💜

[@maariyakhalid2202]

love this idea!

[@racheldemain1940]

I love Christmas pudding . Have a great time with your Family.

[@PlanetImo]

Ohhh Ruby. I know what you could do for Pumpkin Productivity if the idea appealed to you enough - sell Victorian inspired black and white Christmas card sets (all different) for the buyer to colour in by hand and then send out to loved ones.

[@work-in-progress]

I'm from southern India and a lot of bakeries sell plum puddings and carrot cakes especially around Christmas. Majority love it. Idk whether it's the original receipe but honestly it doesn't matter because most of the spices would have come from our farms lol. Colonisation definitely boosted the materialistic side of Victorian Christmas traditions. Despite that I love how wholesome modern christmas has become, another reason to celebrate life with family and friends 💛

[@estherd.b.16]

I only discovered your channel recently and maybe at the exact right moment, because I love Christmas and these videos just fill me with such festive cheer!

[@glitch_s0up]

7:10 seeing Australia makes me happy- literally for no reason besides the fact that I live here 🧍🏼‍♂️

[@winterwolf1111]

I love your videos on the Victorian era!! :). Seeing you talk with passion about history and English literature is so inspiring.

[@noria_ztn]

Ruby’s videos always feel like a comfort tv show ❤️

[@TheFlowerGirl77]

Another very lovely video Ruby and the length does not make it of better or worse value, it is just a lively video expressing your joy of both the Victorian period and Christmas - highlighting once again how thoughtful and purposeful you are in all you do.

[@autumnsmith3585]

When I found out what plum pudding actually was, as compared to what I thought it would be, I was surprised. My expectation was vanilla pudding (I'm American) with chunks of plums mixed into it. Obviously, I was wrong. Lol.

[@2007cgarza]

The plum pudding passed down to me from the U.S. Depression era (1930's) is really good! I look forward to it! Figs, dates...rum extract whipped cream...

[@melodie0987]

I translated the Christmas card of the mouse riding(?) a lobster, thinking it might make more sense - "peace, joy, health, happiness." Nope! 😂

[@clairep4443]

I definitely love christmas pudding! It's amazing with brandy butter.

[@Heidi_93]

Those weird christmas cards remind me of the short stories like the ant and the cricket. Maybe they sent these cards to people with bad traits in the hope that they would improve in the new year?

[@natashaopacic]

Had my booster jab yesterday, not feeling great but your videos help loads :)

[@sumanpanda1570]

Yayyy another video in the Victorian series .!!! I am so happy

[@aprilias7400]

I really loved this video also the way you put little information and pictures *-* I love it!

[@becca5545]

I can see you being a really good teacher/lecturer :)

[@HorrorGirlNat]

I love reading M R James and watching the BBCs Ghost stories for Christmas based on his tales. It's like a Christmas tradition for me.

[@bookshelf829]

I really enjoyed the informal style of this video!! And thanks for acknowledging that not everyone celebrates Christmas at the end (which is also quite relevant to the British empire segment, in that forced assimilation into a homogeneous Christian population is strongly linked to European colonialism).

[@pamelaboxall7015]

I’m 61 years old and I love Christmas Pudding. I use my mum’s recipe which is the version she had from her family. Mass-produced Christmas Pudding is to be avoided at all costs - only home-made can be accepted.

[@janefaceinthewind6260]

I actually like Christmas pudding, but only the homemade is really good, with ice cold brandy butter. I didn't know this about the ingredients though, how fascinating! A merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and your family, Ruby, you have done so much to make people happy especially during the last two years and I am so grateful how you and Martha have lifted our spirits with your videos, by inspiring us to be more productive (which has totally worked for me!), and with your sense for beauty, nostalgia, comfort and humour! Much love

[@leticiacornish849]

This is so so interesting. I thought the different because them was just the name. I love father Christmas way more. The name its rather cute!

[@rosalyn7765]

I learnt a lot from this video, thank you! P.S. also always interested to see the thoughtful gifts you and your family give at Christmas (if you're happy to share of course!)

[@stickwithbrit8635]

This video was great, even if it was shorter! And definitely prioritize your family! You do so much for us as your viewers. Thanks for a wonderful year of content! Have a happy holidays!

[@ameliadecairos-parr1073]

Hello Ruby, I always come to your channel when I need to put my academic head back on, thank you for always providing the inspiration and motivation some of us need! I am so glad you included the section about the British empire and how it is unfortunately a darker side to our history, I am writing my dissertation on that very subject. I think it is so important we are thankful for what the empire brought us whilst being aware and respectful of the fact that it came at a heavy price. I hope you have a wonderful start to the new year :) Amelia x

[@ameliadecairos-parr1073]

P.S Christmas pudding is my absolute favourite!!

[@kflecha1]

The Victorian era inspires so much 💕 Ruby is really good setting the vibe ❤️🙌🏽✨

[@roisinfinnegan3488]

This video was great Ruby, I could really tell how passionate you are about this topic. Happy Christmas everyone!

[@TheSeptemberRose]

I'm from Canada and I like Christmas Pudding...especially when it's set on fire with Brandy.

[@caitlin.2254]

Love when you involve the Victorian era! You're helping my obsession.

[@rondoflicflac]

Loved this format! Educational yet fresh and chatty. We want more! 💜✨

[@TheSeptemberRose]

As soon as you said "Ghost stories were read at Christmas time" I thought, A CHRISTMAS CAROL!

[@jamesnoonan9302]

The Victorians are the new Hermione. I was just thinking.. Ruby's family, their dog, the British countryside, and that camper van, would make for an excellent movie. Hanukkah is long over, but Merry Christmas Ruby. Have a great celebration and I hope everyone receives your wonderful gifts and cards. Be well my dear.

[@daviniaalice4746]

I love plum pudding its my favourite thing about Christmas getting to make your own and it tastes amazing xx but I get why people don't like it

[@janethughes6343]

Christmas (plum)0pudding dates from medieval times. Plum was the pre-victorian word for raisin. Having dried fruit in a dish was a sign of wealth because they were expensive.

[@mlavin0101]

That was my favorite Rudy Granger video ever! Please do more these where you're just talking on the fly. I'm glad that you didn't do some much preparation

[@Josephineee3]

Have a wonderful Christmas y’all 🤍❄️⛄️👡🎄

[@bryony3135]

I wonder what kind of gifts were left for Father Christmas 🤔 brilliant video, yet again!!

[@kawaiikowai08]

Ok I think I have to do Victorian Christmas now! Totally my thing, weird cards and ghost stories lol

[@Sofiella]

Ruby I really enjoyed this! Please do more videos on historical points. You would make an amazing teacher! I could listen to you for hours. Merry Christmas to you and your family from the southwest of England 🤗

[@moonthunderstormsstarlight7022]

Wow! I love the Frankenstein book marks and the Victorian Era. My family tree has Mary Shelley on it. She is my 12th cousin, Bryon is my 9th and Percy is 13th. If someone has a list of Victorian Era literature it would be awesome to read around this time of year.

[@mryak8744]

wow that’s so interesting. I’ve always wanted to trace back my family tree and i wanted to ask how do you do it?

[@moonthunderstormsstarlight7022]

@@mryak8744 Sorry, I don't know what happened to my first reply back to you it seems to have disappeared. I used WikiTree and entered in my information and then my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. My great-grandfather on my mothers side was already completed by a certified genealogist and I didn't have to do any work. Some of my great-grandparents information was already in there but it didn't go back as far as my great-grandfathers ancestry did. After that they have a relationship finder and you can look up how people are related and once you complete your own profile your last name will have a number. So you would enter your last name than a dash and whatever number the system assigns you and whomever you are looking for their last name, the dash, and the assigned number and the system will go through the world tree and see if there is a common ancestor and then it tells you how you are related either cousins or a grandparent.

[@mryak8744]

@@moonthunderstormsstarlight7022 thank you so much. This really helped

[@moonthunderstormsstarlight7022]

@@mryak8744 No problem at all. I am happy to help.

[@Valxo]

She's so pretty! and I love her videos! especially how their winter aesthetic!! I live in Arizona and today we have 73 degree weather lol. Of course some parts of Arizona do snow ❤😀 Happy Holidays Ruby!! ❤

[@maddiem7463]

Loved this video! Happy Christmas to you and your family🎄. Also side note: I love Christmas pudding, I hated it for years until I started making my own, recommended making one yourself even if you don’t like it, just a lovely process 🎄🕯🎁❤️

[@idiloktay9753]

I'm an English Literature student and I LOVED THIS VIDEO.

[@gildedstorm326]

My family and I have a tradition of watching scary movies on Christmas Eve to help us stay awake til Christmas morning 👻🎄🎁

[@emiliabugueiromeyer8166]

this "lesson" style video was s interesting!! I find you explain topics very clearly :)

[@carolinachavez5747]

Happy holidays from México, Ruby 🎉

[@MariaMedeiros]

I wish you a very Merry Christmas Ruby! Wishing you all the best! May you have lots of happiness, joy and good health! 😊🎄⛄️❄️

[@aldenilsson8438]

ruby quoting marx, we stan

[@janefaceinthewind6260]

Hi Ruby, what a wonderful video! Thank you so much. It would put everyone in the mood for Christmas. I am very fond of Christmas ghost stories, a wonderful tradition! I am German and Christmas is very different, much more Victorian and traditional than it is in other places, and ghost stories are not a part of this, this seems to be a uniquely British thing. I have always found it fascinating!

[@sanliy]

Wow. I love victorian style and tradition. 🥰❤️

[@emmalynboelter7158]

happy holidays everyone! great video ruby, it put me in the christmas spirit!

[@kazukazu2713]

Amazing Christmas 🥰

[@pattiroti]

Celebrating my Big Indian wedding anniversary on the Christmas Day ☺️♥️, happy Christmas to You Ruby 🙏🏻

[@rosabutcher5092]

I think it depends on the pudding. My Nan used to make the best, yummiest pud. Shop ones are generally pretty yuk. X

[@estelajimenez4064]

Thank you Ruby!! I ‘ve COVID and I think that during 14 mins I stopped having fever 🥲, love your videos!

[@ildikoromanoczki9012]

I absolutely loved this video! So many interesting things, thank you Ruby 😊 Merry Christmas 🎄

[@energyhealing11]

You are so knowledgeable Ruby, this was truly interesting 💜

[@jag8742]

I love your videos! Youre so wholesome! Have a very merry Christmas 🎄❤

[@anneroy4560]

I feel that I, a Canadian living in England can state that my fellow citizens in Canada are pleased to be part of the Empire / Commonwealth ...

[@1evonvielen]

Thanks for this beautiful video. Have a very merry Christmas, Ruby!

[@Noa-mo2mb]

I wonder if your relatives or friends happen to watch your videos because i feel quite anxious when seeing you wrapping presents 😂 anyways loooooove your content. You’re such a rock star, Ruby ❤️

[@starshocker]

Always get my pudding at Christmas 🎄⛄ even here in France. I like it as far as I'm concerned. But it's true that the taste may be peculiar for some.

[@yvonneh9950]

Hi Ruby, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas

[@aino8958]

Ruby, hey, this video was wonderful! so fascinating Happy happy Christmas! 💕

[@georgeii2629]

Merry Christmas, Ruby

[@pim1234]

Nothing shamefull about the British Empire, you have to see it in that time. Every western country had colonies, it was what it was.

[@lillisbookishthoughts2507]

Such a lovely video! I really appreciate your Victorian inspired content 💛

[@edithhu8976]

got the same series of book as ruby! mine is yeats poem and to the lighten house

[@juliajones2283]

Merry Christmas to you & yours Ruby. Xx 🎄🎄

[@caitegraceify]

I love Christmas pudding but only my grandmas recipe, I’ve tried others and it feels like they’re intentionally unpleasant lol

[@caitegraceify]

It’s flour, molasses, suet (obvs not vegan friendly but maybe Crisco would work?), raisins (golden and regular), currants, apples, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and then there’s a hard sauce on top (sugar, water, vanilla or rum extract). My dad likes to pour brandy on top before he stores it but I don’t like that and grandma never made it that way.

[@sirshatripathy7608]

Thank you for acknowledging the dark bits of British Empire too

[@thecookingpod5410]

Learnt so much your video..had no idea about it..your videos are somehow always useful n productive💗✨

[@jacobsed6665]

Exeter Uni really does have all the rich posh kids haha

[@abigailhassan9400]

Hey Ruby, I am so excited for the Christmas holidays! I wish you a great seasons and the best for you and your family ! 🌸🌸🌸🌼💗

[@itstimetostudy123]

Love your videos. Thank you 😊. Merry Christmas 🎄.

[@adial0z]

In saturnalia saturnalicius which were the elders of the families gave presents to children

[@adial0z]

So gift giving has been a thing for much longer than the Victorian era

[@stacipopp9398]

Have you seen dickens great etc grandson do the Xmas carol?? He visits here in the states and I watch him every year. I love it

[@jennaaustin2846]

I LOVE when you do these videos!

[@melodious_m4513]

It's aesthetic ✨✨✨

[@gigicanoga33]

Happy Christmas!!