Children travelled back in time to learn history of Christmas

Children travelled back in time in Romford to learn about the history of Christmas.

The festive activity at Havering Museum saw Mother Christmas tell fascinating stories about Christmases of the past including traditions from the Roman, Tudor and Victorian eras.

They discovered the origins of stockings on the mantle piece and lights on Christmas trees. They were also told how Father Christmas changed his clothes across different countries.

Mother Christmas then helped the children complete a Christmas inspired trail in the museum’s gallery.

She then showed the children how to make Christmas decorations from the past, an activity all the children thoroughly enjoyed, with their parents reminiscing about making these decorations as children.

Laura Turnage, education officer at Havering Museum, said: “This session truly showed the heritage of Christmas and its development throughout history.

“By making traditional Christmas decorations the children learnt the hard-work and fun associated with Christmas in the past.”