A golden gateway to a Victorian Christmas framed the Tredegar House in Newport. The walls surrounding the 17th century mansion concealed Christmas trees, decorations, presents and an odious gentleman. “Bah,” said the angry gentleman, wearing a white nightgown and cap.
Scrooge sat in Tredegar House counting gold, and bringing a distinct chill to the room. The embers in the fire did not warm Scrooge’s welcome. He stared, in disgust, at his guests and did his best to make them feel unwelcome.
“I hate Christmas! There’s no point in all that nonsense,” sneered Scrooge at the suspicious children passing by.
A young boy stamped his foot on the oak floor. “I like Christmas. I’m getting a new bike,” declared the fair-haired boy. He looked up at his father for reassurance.
Scrooge placed his arms lovingly around his piles of gold. ‘Humbug!’ he repeated constantly in his ‘grating voice’.
I heard the guests’ ‘laughter and good humour’, and this melted the frosty reception of Scrooge. I heard parents retelling A Christmas Carol and explaining the character of Scrooge. It was wonderful to observe literature brought to life through this interactive approach.
A child called Beth joined in the fun and declared, “Bah, humbug” to all the members of staff positioned in each room. A toddler playing with a wooden train set, in the nursery, was reluctant to return it. The cook invited everyone to stir the Christmas pudding, as she explained the glorious Christmas feast the family would have enjoyed. The quantities of food consumed in the grand house did make me wonder how that would have contrasted with the average Victorian Christmas. But the thought didn’t linger too long, because I was distracted by the sight dark-haired fellow, pacing up and down the court yard. Later, I saw the gentleman at the writing desk. I peered in his notebook and it said, ‘Scrooge to honour Christmas’.
Many thanks to the National Trust staff and volunteers for organising the festive experience. Archways, gates, gardens and rooms were decked with Christmas cheer. Not even Scrooge could freeze the glorious atmosphere at Tredegar House.
Ah, enjoyed reading this again just as much! 🙂
Brrrr! This post makes me think of a cold, cold winter. Thanks for revisiting this – much appreciated. I will try to return to blogging soon.
This is a wonderful post! We get the play on stage here in Toronto almost everywhere year. It’s a wonderful play to see. Neither the Christmas Carol or Miracle on 34th street will ever get old.
So true! They are essential ingredients for a magical Christmas. All the best!
I’ve never read the book although I know the story well. I have It on my Kindle so I might try to read it. I’m in the middle if Miss Marley and I love it. Great
Happy reading and Merry Christmas.
I went to Tredegar House when I was a child. It has stuck in my memory. I’m reading A Christmas Carol right now love the book. It’d be great to see it acted out live.
The house is decorated for a Victorian Christmas and Scrooge sits at the table. Everyone is invited to talk to grumpy Scrooge and children love it.
Sounds great.
Miracle on 34th Street is a MUST!!! I was just telling someone yesterday how they need to watch it with their girls. Great post!
It is magical to know the post has prompted this conversation.
What a great experience! I’d love to do something like that, but there’s nothing like it here…just Christmas lights. Thanks for sharing! (Also, i love miracle on 34th street!)
Great to know the post connected with you.
Sounds like a fun place
It is amazing!
this sounds so exciting! i wish we had something even remotely like this where i live 🙁
It is a lovely experience for everyone -so much fun.Scrooge is so grumpy it forces children to try and cheer him up.
Great blog, Jessie. I’ve never visited Tredegar House but I’m obviously missing out – sounds like a wonderful Christmas experience!
You should visit before they close for Christmas – great fun!
Great blog, Jessie. I too watched the film Miracle on 34th Street. Both versions – old and newer) Both films were showing just one day apart.
I loved the black and white version. I am living my life in black and white this week.