History Extra podcast Tempting treats & festive feats: christmas shopping down the ages
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Dec 11, 2024 Annie Gray, a food and social historian and author of "The Bookshop, The Draper, The Candlestick Maker: A History of the High Street," discusses the fascinating history of Christmas shopping. She highlights the daunting experiences of browsing Victorian butcher shops and shares stories of extravagant seasonal feasts. Annie also explores the evolution of gift-giving, the rise of department stores, and the transformation of Christmas advertising. Listeners will be captivated by quirky tales of festive consumer culture through the ages.
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Christmas Shopping History
- Christmas shopping has existed for centuries, driven by feasting and gift-giving.
- Complaints about commercialism during the holidays date back to the Tudor period.
Purpose of Gifts
- Gift-giving historically served to solidify social ties and show favor.
- While Christmas involved gift exchange, New Year's was initially the more important occasion.
Christmas Gifts
- Early Christmas gifts included practical items like fabric or cookbooks for servants.
- A 19th-century advertisement featured a portable fire engine, raising questions about its suitability as a gift.