Christmas is soon and Reading Town looks just as festive as ever with its brightly glowing street lights and Christmas-themed stalls. But have you ever thought about what Christmas may have been like in the past for Reading?
It is clear that religion, specifically Christianity, has played a major role in shaping the town’s history. Reading Abbey, founded by Henry I in 1121, according to Reading Museum “transformed Reading forever into an important religious centre.” The abbey was at some point one of Europe’s largest royal monasteries.
In the Medieval Ages in Reading, Christmas celebrations were marked by a 12-day holiday, during which people would pray and attend church. Evidence shows that monks would partake in choir singing and that Christmas feasts were hosted. It was expected of the wealthy to distribute festive food and drink; Henry III would host elaborate Christmas feasts at Reading Abbey.
Later, Reading became an important industrial hub, with important businesses such as Huntley & Palmers Biscuits contributing to festive goods being more widely available at Christmas time. Every year, Huntley & Palmers produced new Christmas-themed biscuit tins to be sold at the Christmas markets, giving us an insight into the history of Christmas tradition.
Reading Town has a rich history of Christmas. Today, Christmas time in Reading means twinkling Christmas-themed decorations, holiday-themed stalls selling items such as customisable stockings, sweet treats and hot drinks, and the sound of popular Christmas songs playing as you walk through the town centre- all of which create a special feeling of joy and community among the people of Reading.
If you're creative and artsy, why not try the Christmas wreath-making workshop at Basildon Park? If it's fun family activities you're looking for, a magical Winter Festival is being hosted by the University of Reading. If you're interested in theatre, Reading Rep Theatre will be showing Hans Christian Anderson's Snow Queen. There are festive events for everyone to enjoy, have fun this holiday season!
