From party food to present shopping, and from list-making to church going, the course provides fun first-hand insight into every aspect of the big day - and the preparations leading up to it. We also begin to reflect on what these highly personal accounts of the festivities reveal about wider social histories.

Who is this course for?

• Informal learners seeking an enjoyable introduction to the micro-history of Christmas
• Creatives, historians, and writers looking for fresh ideas and inspiration for projects
• Diary enthusiasts who take delight in viewing first-hand testimony produced by people of all ages and from a range of backgrounds
• Anybody wishing to tap into the Christmas spirit as the festive season gets underway

What can I expect?

• The subject is taught through diary entries and ephemeral items archived as part of the diary collections at Bishopsgate Institute
• The tutor interprets these items in a series of informative and entertaining PowerPoint slideshow talks
• The talks are illustrated with newly-digitised historical sources, all of which are unpublished and unique to the Institute
• There are opportunities for student participation through informal small group discussion, and via the chat function and questions

Will I need any equipment or materials?

We will be looking at a range of texts produced during the past 120+ years, some of which have small print. Please bring reading glasses if worn.

Joining via Zoom

This course or event will be held via Zoom. You need a computer/laptop or mobile phone to access the Zoom website, and a reliable internet connection. For further information on how to join a Zoom meeting, you can watch the joining video here.

You will need a computer or other device to connect with Zoom and a notebook/paper and pen/pencil, or digital equivalent.