Holiday Gift Giving

What's a "vacation" without a little shopping and what better time of year to do it in than at Christmas time. I've arranged for several coaches to be made ready to take us into London for a little holiday shopping, but before we do, I'd like to tell you a little about the tradition of gift-giving here. (Along the way, you can all join in singing the "Coventry Carol".)

In the early 1800s, gift-giving revolved around the children who received gifts of hand-made toys and clothes from their parents. Upon waking, a child would find his stocking filled with sweets and small toys. Larger gifts would not be opened until the family returned from church.

As gift-giving became an important part of Christmas, celebration stories were written about the virtues of giving presents (Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" the most famous one) and newspaper articles began to appear on how to create and select the perfect gifts.

The poorer classes either make their own gifts or buy them at the "penny bazaars" which are shops or market stalls selling items costing a penny. The richer ones shop in the brightly decorated "high-street" shops.

I've just been advised that the coaches are ready so let's put on our coats and go shopping. Also, as we travel into town I thought you might like to see what is "in style" this year so I have placed a couple of store advertisements in each of the coaches for your review.

*Disclaimer: Any reference to a current or past periodical is purely coincidental and unintentional.

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