18th Century Christmas shows holiday celebrations from the past

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see Christmas in the Cape Fear 200 years ago?

Today at Brunswick Town Fort Anderson Historic Site visitors were able to take a look back into history.

At the Annual 18th Century Christmas event people were able to experience what Christmas would have been like for the American colonists.

There were toys, games and activities like candle dipping and ornament making for people to enjoy.

Everything was as it would have been during that time period, a more simplistic way that the site manager loves being a part of.

“Christmas 200 years ago isn’t what we have here today. Christmas back then started at the earliest Christmas Eve, not October like it is today.” Site Manager Jim McKee said. “It was truly a religious holiday and it was truly a time for family to get together.”

At 5 p.m. there is a candle light church service and then afterwards they will be firing off the Christmas cannon.

This event is always the second Sunday in December and has been a tradition for more than ten years.