3 minute read
Stepping back in time
A touch of festive nostalgia can be experienced at Christmas at the National Trust for Jersey’s Georgian House in New Street
At the National Trust for Jersey’s Georgian House, it’s 1815, and preparations are underway for Christmas. From mid-November the charity’s Lands Team gather natural greenery from their sites across the island, including holly, bay, ivy, cornus and hydrangea heads. Then it’s over to the Trust’s army of volunteers who spend days decorating all three floors of the house at 16 New Street in St Helier, including the railings outside.
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All the decorations are natural - not a tinsel string in sight - and by the time of the first ‘Christmas at 16 New Street Georgian House’ events at the end of November, the house looks and smells beautiful, with wonderful ‘Christmassy’ aromas, a gigantic Christmas pudding and Twelfth Cake in the Dining Room, Louisa the Cook preparing seasonal treats in the Georgian Kitchen and a Festive Trail and other fun activities for the children. ‘Christmas at 16 New Street is all about nostalgia, stepping back in time to learn about past traditions, and our most popular event is Father Christmas,’ says Catherine Ward, Museums and Collections Manager for the National Trust for Jersey.
“Christmas at 16
But if you expect to see a jolly bearded fellow dressed from head-to-toe in red, then think again. For his visits to the Georgian House, Father Christmas wears traditional green, as Catherine explains:
‘Nowadays many people consider Father Christmas and Santa Claus to be different names for the same person, with Father Christmas tending to be more British and Santa Claus commonly used in the USA. However, the two have very different histories.
'The legend of Santa Claus seems to have originated from Saint Nicholas, who travelled around Turkey in red robes in the 4th century, helping the poor. Father Christmas, on the other hand, was a pagan figure representing the coming of Spring, who wore a long, hooded cloak and a wreath of greenery.’
As Christmas approaches, Mr and Mrs Journeaux welcome guests to their ‘Candlelit Tours’ and their preparations for a Twelfth Night Ball in the Drawing Room. “ It is really
Climb the stairs to the attics where young Harriet and her grandmother create traditional decorations for the Children’s Nursery, and ‘below stairs’ in the Georgian Kitchen mince pies and other traditional refreshments are on the menu.
‘Christmas is certainly a busy time for the Trust and we’re supported by a tremendous team of volunteers of all ages with a wide range of talents,’ says Catherine Ward. ‘But it is really rewarding when you see local families coming back year after year to soak up the festive atmosphere in the captivating setting of 16 New Street.’
Late Night Shopping
Thursday evenings from 18 November
Why not buy your Christmas gifts at 16 New Street? All profits go towards the Trust’s ongoing work.
Christmas at 16 New Street Georgian House
Saturdays 20 & 27 November 10am - 4pm
Father Christmas at 16 New Street
Saturdays 4, 11 and 18 December 10am - 4pm
To encourage Islanders to support the Trust, this year’s event is only open to Trust Members. Thanks to the support of Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management there are 120 free tickets for disadvantaged families here after.
Booking essential.
Festive Candlelit Tours
Tuesdays 7 and 14 December from 6pm
Supported by Ogier, booking essential.
