A brief history of trick or treating

By | October 10th, 2020|Categories: Halloween|Tags: |

Trick or treating may not be taking place in many neighborhoods this year, but the tradition is in little danger of being lost to time in this country. It is a deeply beloved start to the holiday season that children and adults treasure. But did you know that this is a holiday tradition that only [...]

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. [...]

10 ideas for a virtual Halloween party

By | September 13th, 2020|Categories: Halloween, Holidays|Tags: , |

Our readers and customers love Halloween! It is one of my favorite events of the year and something I look forward to for months. And that includes this year. While it may still look a lot different than Halloweens past, there are still a LOT of opportunities for celebrating and dressing up. I am hoping [...]

Roundup: Spooky Victorian Traditions

By | August 19th, 2020|Categories: Halloween, Recollections, Victorian Era, Victorian Era Celebrations|Tags: , , , |

Our readers and customers really love Halloween. That is a delight to me, as it is my favorite holiday. I love the chance to dress up, go to parties, and have all sorts of festive fun without all of the pressures associated with the upcoming winter holidays. I also enjoy it because one of my [...]

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 [...]

4th of July Conversation-Starters Roundup

By | July 3rd, 2020|Categories: 4th of July, Revolutionary War era|Tags: , |

Happy 4th of July! To get things started, we thought it would be fun to provide you with some conversations starters, some stories of brave Revolutionary women, and some of our own content that we love.  Whether you are gathering for family BBQs, enjoying a long solo weekend, or simply enjoying a few days off [...]

5 facts about Betsy Ross and the origins of the American flag

By | June 30th, 2020|Categories: 4th of July, Revolutionary War era, Women's History|Tags: , , |

I remember pictures of Betsy Ross in my American history textbooks in elementary school and 184 years after her death many still know her as the seamstress who created the first-ever American flag. While I am glad that she is remembered, the image that many have of Betsy Ross undermines her real accomplishments as a [...]