MIDDLETOWN, OH — What was Christmas like more than 125 years ago? From holiday decorations and traditional foods to music and celebrations, local author and historian Cheri Brinkman will take audiences back to the turn of the 20th century during a free holiday presentation at Miami University Middletown.
Brinkman will present “Christmas Traditions 1900: An Edwardian Christmas” on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m. at Verity Lodge on the university's Middletown campus.
The presentation, part of Miami University's free Verity Traditions programming, will explore how families celebrated Christmas during the Edwardian era, a period often associated with the elegant traditions depicted in the popular television series Downton Abbey.
Dressed in authentic period costume, Brinkman will share stories of holiday customs, foods, carols and decorations that helped shape Christmas celebrations. Some of those traditions crossed the Atlantic from England to America and remain part of today's holiday season.
Brinkman is the author of the Cincinnati and Soup books and is known throughout the region for her writing and reviews of local dining, arts and cultural events. She also maintains a popular Cincinnati and Soup Facebook community with more than 4,000 followers.
In addition to her writing, Brinkman presents historical programs for community organizations and other groups. She is also listed with the Ohio Arts Council as a speaker.
Brinkman has another appearance coming up in November, when Cincinnati and Soup is scheduled to be featured on CET, Cincinnati's public television station.
Although the Nov. 18 presentation is free, advance reservations are required. A light supper will be served beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 6 p.m.
Brinkman encourages anyone interested in attending to make reservations early, as the free programs often fill quickly.
The event will be held at Verity Lodge, Miami University Middletown, 4200 N. University Blvd., Middletown.
How to reserve a seat: Visit Miami University Regionals' Passport to Programming registration website at https://applyregionals.miamioh.edu/portal/Passport_to_Programming and look for the Christmas Traditions 1900 event.
For additional information or registration assistance, contact Miami University's Office of Public Programming at 513-785-3277.
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