‘TIS THE SEASON: Missing the Mistletoe & DINNER at VINTAGE

at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St.

Fridays, Dec. 1-22: 5pm

BY JACKIE FAZIO

The townsfolk of Cape May are buzzing with excitement, especially after a fresh blanket of snow brings them closer to the big day. All except for Adeline Baker, the sole heiress of the Baker family fortune, who is quite fed up with being alone. Each potential suitor has been less promising than the last. Can you help Adeline find love in time for Christmas? Or will she spend another holiday season alone? Immerse yourself in this delightful and inspiring Victorian Christmas story that takes place on the first floor of the Physick House. Tickets are limited; advance purchase recommended.

Dinner will be at 5pm followed by the 6:30pm performance of ‘Tis the Season. Guests will have their choice from a select menu.

Tickets: $45 per person/gratuity not included

Order tickets online at www.capemaymac.org or buy at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth at Ocean Street or the Carriage House Visitors Center or the Hill House Office at the Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St.

Tour presented by Cape May MAC • Call 609-885-5404

Victorian Christmas Traditions

In 1848 a British sweet maker, Tom Smith, came up with a the idea for the Christmas cracker. When he visited Paris Tom noticed that sugared almonds were sold in twists of paper (bon bons). He used this as inspiration for his Christmas crackers – sweets wrapped in a paper package that snapped apart when you pulled the ends. During the Victorian period, Tom Smith’s idea was adapted and improved. The sweets were often replaced with Christmas paper hats and small gifts were added. The Christmas crackers of the later Victorian era were quite similar to the crackers placed on today’s Christmas dinner tables.