5 Fun facts about A Christmas Carol

By | October 29th, 2020|Categories: Christmas|Tags: , , , |

Do you have a copy of A Christmas Carol at home? Or is there a film adaptation that you enjoy watching each year? The Charles Dickens’ tale is such an ingrained part of our holiday celebrations in the Western world that it is something that we might not think much of as it begins to [...]

1950s recipes for the holidays that aren't as loved today

By | October 21st, 2020|Categories: 1950s Fashions, 1950s fun, Christmas, Entertainment, History of the home|Tags: |

I am a big fan of the 1950s. The clothing, the decor, the many things we would now consider kitschy. I LOVE poodle skirts and have a goal to create a new tradition of wearing one each Christmas (the first poodle skirts had Christmas designs on them). It was fun for me to read about [...]

Please party guests this season with mulled wine

By | October 8th, 2020|Categories: Christmas, Entertainment, Halloween, Victorian Era Celebrations|Tags: , , , , , , , |

There is something about mulled wine that sends me back in time. Maybe it is the special mix of spices I’m not used to drinking that makes me think of a fancy tea party. Or maybe it is because I enjoyed it for the first time at a very special Victorian-themed lounge in Greenwich Village. [...]

Christmas on the Frontier

By | July 25th, 2020|Categories: American West, Christmas, History of the home, Holidays, Victorian Era Celebrations|

Christmas on the Frontier must have been a very special time. Daily life for the entire family was a grind and a struggle. Scarce resources meant that everyone was used to life without frills and pretty low expectations about material goods. Living off of the land meant that a strict routine must be followed day [...]

4 Empowering Depictions of Mrs. Claus

By | July 18th, 2020|Categories: Christmas, Holidays, Women's History|Tags: , , , |

I have always been quite intrigued by Mrs. Claus and the work that she does behind the scenes. She is the perfect example of “beside every successful man is a strong woman.” I also think that there is an opportunity for more exposure for Mrs. Claus so that more young girls will get to see [...]

10 Christmas in July Party Ideas

By | July 10th, 2020|Categories: Christmas, Holidays|Tags: , , |

We love to celebrate Christmas in July! This is an especially fun summer to do it, as many of the traditional summer vacation activities aren’t taking place or are looking a lot different from what we are used to. Why not put on a Christmas in July pandemic party to mix things up a bit [...]

5 history podcasts to help you get your fix now: Part 1

By | December 20th, 2019|Categories: Christmas, Women's History|

The entire world is listening to podcasts these days, aren’t they? Because I enjoy outdoor fitness so much and because my favorite subject is history, I have been excited to find so many history-related podcasts out there, and all for free with my Spotify subscription. Things have flipped for me now and instead of making [...]

Star of the Show: An Interview with Mrs. Claus

By | December 14th, 2019|Categories: Christmas, Victorian Era Celebrations|Tags: , , |

By Janice Formichella When the Recollections team heard from a customer how thrilled she was with her new blouse and that it was the perfect touch for her Mrs. Claus portrayal, we just had to learn more. We were intrigued when we learned that Mrs. Claus is the star of the show for the entire [...]

Dickens Fairs

By | November 18th, 2019|Categories: 19th Century Literature, Christmas, Entertainment, Holidays, Victorian Era, Victorian Era Celebrations|Tags: , , , |

If it’s November, it’s time for Dickens fairs! These mid-Victorian London-inspired events pay homage to 19th century author Charles Dickens and the wonderful characters he created. The fairs are popular throughout England and the USA. Each one has its own signature, but all embody the spirit of the time. Here are a few Dickens Fairs [...]