Merry Christmas from the 21st Michigan! |
And it ended with a bang!
One of the Civil War reenacting units that I belong to had our annual period-dress Christmas party this past Saturday.
"'Period dress' you say?"
Yup!
Just a few of the sixty or so 21st Michigan members to attend our annual period-dress Christmas party! |
We began to hold our Christmas parties in this way since January of 2006 (we have the party in January because December is much too busy a month for everyone), and it's truly a highlight for all that attend.
When I first suggested having a period dress Christmas party, many balked at the idea. There was no other unit that did this sort of thing, so why should the 21st Michigan? But to me it was a no-brainer - I mean, how can you be in a reenacting unit and not have a period Christmas party? It still surprises me to hear, as far as I can tell, that the 21st Michigan is the only unit I know based in and around the Detroit area that does this.
It's too bad for the reeanactors that don't. They don't know the fun they're missing.
The "white elephant" gift exchange is at hand with our very own Union Santa! |
Christmas carols sounded hauntingly beautiful on the pipes |
President Lincoln speaks politics to one of his supporters |
Yes, it's a wonderful way to end the season.
But it didn't end there at the old schoolhouse...
Afterward, a few members stopped over to my home for sort of an afterglow. If you are a regular reader of this blog then you know my wife and I have a very-close-to period authentic 1860's parlor in my home where we will have gatherings and light the oil lamps and candles to help with a sort of immersion experience..
A cozy January evening with good friends in our parlor |
The glow of an oil lamp is enough light for the engaging conversation here |
This is perhaps one of my most favorite evenings of the year: having appropriately dressed people over in a dimly lit room relaxing and speaking as they might have 150 years ago is as good as it gets!
In fact, I may do it again in the late winter...maybe have a parlor game evening filled with song, games, and good conversation...
My wife and I had our tintype taken by a visiting photographer |
And for those of you tired of my Christmas postings...this will probably be my last one for a while. Notice I said "probably" - - - -
I've been working on a winter time post I believe you may find rather interesting. Stay tuned...
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4 comments:
Nice blog. Looks like it was a grand time. Loved your tintype.
Thank you Loree. I appreciate it.
What a nice idea. I bet everyone really has a great time at the parties every year. And I love your parlor lit by the oil lamps. I'll have to remember that, and buy some oil lamps for our house. That would be a lovely way to entertain a small group of people.
-Pam
Pam, oil lamps can really give a winter's evening a warm glow. When you have your friends over, ask them to dress as period as they can - you'd be surprised at how it will add.
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