Based on an article by the late Rene Cardall describing Christmas for a fictitious Southam family in the 1890s.  Abridged and edited by Pam McConnell.

The Robinsons did most of their Christmas shopping in Southam, getting their greeting cards from Chambers the printers and a lot of their groceries from Mr Bull’s shop on Market Hill and the Co-op.  They ordered a farm turkey, to be delivered two days before Christmas Day and kept cool in the cellar. Gifts were bought from Arches the chemist, Mr Clee the draper and Mr Spencer the outfitter.  There have also been exciting excursions by train to Banbury, Leamington and Rugby from the local railway stations – Southam and Long Itchington along the Coventry Road, and Harbury Station at Deppers Bridge.

Mrs Robinson made Christmas puddings in November, and all the family helped.  The large rounds of candied peel were cut up finely, the almonds soaked, skinned and chopped, the big lump of beef suet shredded on the grater and all the pips removed from the raisins.  A measure of strong, dark stout was stirred into the dry ingredients, with beaten eggs.  Then all the family took turns to stir the mixture, and make a wish, before it was poured into crockery basins with pudding cloths tied with string.  The basins were simmered in a big steamer on the coal-fired range all day.  When cooled, they were put into the pantry to wait for Christmas Day.

By Christmas Eve the house is decorated with evergreen branches and paper festoons.  Now they decorate the Christmas tree in the parlour with coloured baubles, candles and little packages.  While Mrs Robinson is making the last batch of mince pies, a sound of carol singing is heard.  Outside the door stand half a dozen children wrapped up warmly against the cold.  They are brought inside to sing more carols, then rewarded with a hot mince pie and a penny each.  At bedtime, the children hang up stockings on the metal rails of their beds, and go to sleep hoping that Father Christmas will bring what they wished for.

Christmas morning comes, with all the excitement of giving and receiving presents.  Mrs Robinson has prepared the turkey.  It will be taken along to Mr Masters bakehouse on Market Hill, to be cooked in the bread ovens, along with many others from houses all over Southam.  The Robinsons go to morning service at the Parish Church and at the end a single bell is rung.  This is known as the Pudding Bell and signals the menfolk to go and fetch their turkeys from the bakery.  The streets of Southam are then deserted while everyone enjoys their turkey dinner with all the trimmings, the Christmas pudding aflame with brandy, and hot mince pies accompanied by homemade wine.

Washing up afterwards is a messy business with many greasy plates and dishes, but with hot water from the big kettles, and handfuls of washing soda to melt the grease, it is soon done.  For an hour or so the young ones play quietly with their new toys whilst the elders nap by a glowing fire.  The first cup of tea of the afternoon is followed by a walk around the town.  After some fresh air, they settle down indoors by a roaring fire under the gaslight to enjoy a piece of Christmas cake. 

Later there will be supper, with cold meat and pickles, crusty bread and butter, mince pies, cakes and trifle.  Mrs Robinson plays the piano for them to sing carols and popular songs, then its parlour games – Blind Man’s Buff, Hunt the Slipper and Pass the Parcel.  Everybody performs party pieces, singing, reciting or conjuring.  Then it is time for the children to go to bed.  The adults relax by the fire, talking over the events of the day and planning for Boxing Day when Auntie Bessie and Uncle George are coming to visit by train from Leamington.

A very Happy Christmas to all our readers, and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Southam Heritage Collection’s Christmas Raffle will be drawn on Friday 23rd December at 11am.  Tickets are on sale now, as are calendars, cards, gifts and local history books.  Find us in the atrium of Tithe Place on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings from 10am to 12 noon.  www.southamheritage.org 01926 613503 email  southamheritage@hotmail.com  Follow us on Facebook.