5 notable trends and traditions of a 1927 English Christmas + Murder at Yuletide

December 12, 2024

Having written 2 short stories, one novella and one full novel featuring Ginger Gold in the 1920s, I thought it would be interesting to take a deeper dive into what an English Christmas looked like back then. The full novel called Murder at Yuletide is set at the end of 1927, I thought I'd focus on that year.

Here are 5 trends and traditions of a 1927 English Christmas:

1. A 1927 English Christmas: Popular Traditions and Trends

Christmas in 1927 England blended age-old traditions with the burgeoning modernity of the Roaring Twenties. Families decorated their trees with candles, tinsel, and handcrafted ornaments. Though I remember tinsel being an integral part of my childhood Christmas memories, I can't imagine decorating a tree, especially a real one, with candles. How did they manage to keep their houses from burning down?

The warmth of family gatherings and church services created a comforting holiday atmosphere. Christmas cards featuring traditional snowy scenes were exchanged, and carolers filled the crisp winter air with festive songs. Both of these things have gone the way of the dinosaur, at least where I live.

While the Jazz Age influence was present, it had not yet fully reshaped Christmas celebrations. Flapper fashion and jazz music made appearances at festive parties, but these trends became more common by the following year.

2. Christmas in 1927: What Was on the Menu?

The Christmas feast in 1927 followed the cherished traditions of roast goose or turkey, accompanied by stuffing, roasted root vegetables, and gravy. Mince pies, Christmas cake, and spiced mulled wine added to the festive cheer. Plum pudding (not the kind of pudding we find in Canada), often prepared weeks in advance, was a centerpiece dessert, served flaming with a drizzle of brandy. This tradition inspired my novella, Murder by Plum Pudding.

Economic challenges, lingered from the General Strike of 1926, a social event mentioned in Murder on Fleet Street. In May of 1926 the strike resulted in uprisings and chaos in the streets and brought much of England’s trades and transit to a halt for several days.

As a result not every family could afford such lavish spreads. Many households adapted by focusing on home-cooked, seasonal ingredients and sharing meals with neighbors and extended family. This practicality didn’t diminish the joy of the holiday meal but instead reinforced the communal spirit of the time.

3. Gifts Under the Tree: Popular Christmas Presents in 1927

Christmas gifts in 1927 reflected a mix of timeless charm and emerging trends. Children might wake to find wooden toys, tin soldiers, or dollhouses under the tree, while board games like Snakes and Ladders provided fun for the whole family. Books were a popular and thoughtful choice, with classic stories like Peter Pan and Treasure Island being perennial favorites.

Adults tended to exchange practical yet personal gifts. Women often received hand-embroidered linens, gloves, or scarves, while men unwrapped shaving kits, tie pins, or leather wallets. For the more affluent, gramophone records or even a radio set were considered cutting-edge presents, though they were still out of reach for many households in 1927.

4. The Spirit of Giving: Charitable Acts and Community in 1927

In the aftermath of the General Strike of 1926, the Christmas of 1927 had a heightened focus on charity and community support. Churches and local organizations worked to ensure that struggling families had a reason to celebrate. Christmas hampers filled with essentials like tea, sugar, and small treats were distributed to those in need, while “Penny Dinners” offered warm meals for the poorest.

5. Christmas at the Cinema: Films and Entertainment in 1927

In 1927, the cinema was a favorite holiday pastime, with families flocking to watch silent films accompanied by live music. Classics like It starring Clara Bow and festive-themed shorts were popular choices. The release of The Jazz Singer in October 1927 had just introduced "talkies" to the world, but they were still a rarity, and most theaters featured silent films.

Live entertainment was also a key part of the season, with theaters staging pantomimes and festive plays that delighted audiences of all ages. Meanwhile, jazz music continued to gain popularity, making its way into Christmas parties and dance halls, adding a touch of modern flair to the holiday festivities. For most, however, Christmas in 1927 was still steeped in tradition, with the cinema and music providing an exciting glimpse of the future.