Lunch & Learn: The Spirit of Christmas Past: Four Centuries of Christmas in America at Mattatuck Museum

Discover how Christmas traditions in the United States evolved over four centuries during Lunch & Learn: The Spirit of Christmas Past at the Mattatuck Museum on Wednesday, December 9, from noon to 1 pm. This illustrated lecture traces the holiday’s history from its prohibition in 17th-century New England to the development of familiar Christmas customs by the late 20th century.

The presentation will explore how Christmas transformed from a rowdy public celebration into a family-centered holiday, examining the origins of traditions such as decorating Christmas trees, decking the halls, and the arrival of Santa Claus. Attendees can learn how many customs associated with today’s seasonal festivities developed more recently than commonly assumed.

Guests can order lunch in advance from Sweet Bella at The MATT or bring their own meal. Admission is $10 for nonmembers and $5 for members. The program is sponsored by Christine and Eugene Shugrue.