by Barbara Latta
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| Mount Vernon, the home of President George Washington |
Christmas celebrations vary across the world and the customs
of past eras are fun and interesting to explore.
Several years ago, my husband, Ken, worked in the
Washington, D.C. area. We visited Mount Vernon, the home of President
George Washington, so much we volunteered to work for the many events held
there.
While working we would wear the authentic costumes of the
period. Ken would don a tricorn hat and thick cape and after I had struggled
with the ties and wraps of my garments, we walked among the tourists taking on
the role of revolutionary citizens.
Because we were required to keep in character and speak to guests in
colonial lingo, curtsy when in the presence of General Washington, and not
wear modern jewelry, it was easy to get caught up in the ambiance of living at
Mount Vernon in the late 1700’s.
George and Martha Washington frequently relax on the piazza and visit with family and friends. The General is often seen in his blue Continental Army uniform riding his regal stallion
across the lawn at sunset.
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| George and Martha Washington entertain on the piazza. |
It was a most impressive sight!
My favorite part of all the year’s festivities was the
Christmas Candlelight celebration. For several days, special tickets were sold
for a nighttime visit to the property. Lanterns lined the sidewalks, fragrant
greenery decorated the estate, and outdoor fires crackled in black iron kettles
supported on tripods. Aladdin the camel, who was imported from a zoo and kept
in a corral, was always a major draw for visitors. General Washington did this every year to
entertain his guests at Christmas so the Mount Vernon staff made every effort
to keep the happenings authentic.
This candlelight event was designed to simulate the
entertaining way the Washington’s greeted guests who visited Mount Vernon
during the holidays. Dignitaries,
friends, and military personnel were always invited to celebrate with the
family. In the spirit of history each year, the house is operated as if the
Washington’s were at home about to serve a meal to guests. The table is set in
the dining room with the china and crystal Martha Washington would have chosen
and the food is laid out ready to serve.
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| Ken served as the Town Crier. |
So as ticket-holders arrived for the evening Christmas tour,
they were assigned the identity of an actual visitor the Washington’s had and
name tags were passed out. Ken was given the task of town crier, and as each
visitor started the tour he read their
name off a list, rang a bell, and would
yell, “Hear ye, hear ye, the General and Mrs. Washington are pleased to
announce the arrival of Mr. and Mrs.
John LaFaye.” The visitors wearing those particular name tags then joined the
group of people who were being escorted to the Mansion for their candlelight
walk.
It was particularly cold during our final December of
volunteering. Rain had fallen for several days and the ground was muddy and
slick. As Ken’s voice was getting hoarse and my feet were turning into mud
icicles, we stood around the fire warming ourselves with the other volunteers
while waiting for the next group. Several carolers were off to the side in a
brush lean-to singing by the light of lanterns. Aladdin peered over the fence
of his corral and after losing interest in us, he continued to munch on his
supper. The Potomac River’s strong currents could be heard rushing by the
landing at the back of the estate reminding us of some of the difficulties of
travel over 200 years ago.
As each guest returned from their visit to the Mansion,
their name tags were collected to be
used again and placed in my basket. I
started down the path to the information center to greet another group as they were
waiting to be escorted to the first stop on the tour. My cold hands could
hardly feel the reeds on the basket as the handle filled my palms. Mud covered
my shoes and iciness was penetrating into my bones. The night was clear and the
stars were shining much like they must have been on the night of our Savior’s
birth. I gazed into the sky for a few
moments until a noise brought my attention back to earth and toward the corral
where Aladdin was pacing. I could almost see one of the Magi standing nearby.
The air sparkled with Christmas magic.
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| Revolutionary clothing for women. |
The candles in the glass lanterns lining the walkways
flickered in the wind and although I was cold, the experience overwhelmed me.
In the shadows I saw a tall figure approaching on his way to the Mansion and I
stopped and caught my breath. Although I knew it wasn’t the actual man, I still
felt I was in the presence of royalty.
I curtsied and said, “Good evening, General Washington and
Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas to you, ma’am,” he replied and he doffed
his hat and bowed.
I watched as he passed me by on the way to entertain his
guests, and I knew I had just experienced something I could not have received
from history books.
I met the father of our country.
If you would like to meet him too, you can plan a visit to
Mount Vernon here. You will be enthralled.
We had a great time participating in those events. I am so thankful to be home for Christmas. Due to my overseas travel I missed a total of six Christmasses at home.
ReplyDeleteYes we did and I am glad you are home now.
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