Christmas 1888 in 1988 - holidays in Victorian style

Sunset, Dec, 1988

Many Westerners celebrate the holidays in Victorian style. Here's how and where you can join in

The Victorians virtually invented Christmas as we know it today. The Christmas card, evergreen decorations for the house, our concept of Santa Claus, and even the Christmas tree itself were popularized in England during the 19th century, and copied in this country. In the West, that era (1837 to 1901) also left a legacy of historic houses, some of which celebrate the holidays in authentic period fashion. We found plenty of celebrations to enjoy in major urban areas, so you won't have to make a major trek during the holidays; ones around the West are shown on these pages. We tried to select the best authentic events-forgive us if we don't list your favorite-at historic houses, farms, and other sites; on page 65, we list ones for your Sunset zone.You might indulge in an elegant tea, buy handmade ornaments, or sing carols in a horse-drawn wagon.

Yuletide, Victorian-style: then and now Thanks to prosperity in the new middle class, many Americans in the late 19th century could enjoy a properly lavish Christmas. Turkey and goose dinners began to appear on holiday tables. Massproduced tin and glass ornaments dangled from trees. And mechanized lithography, invented in the 19th century, allowed mass production of Christmas cards, too, to herald the season.

In the West, the Victorian era saw great changes: wagon train immigrants turned the villages of Salt Lake City and Denver into cities. The California and Alaska gold rushes poured wealth and people into San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland, while the oil and railroad booms transformed Los Angeles. And at Christmas, the events, people, and conditions in the West meant we added our own spin to traditional celebrations.

In Oregon, new arrivals sometimes substituted bear meat for the more usual fowl on the holiday table. In Salt Lake City, the fancy-dress Christmas ball gave way to homespun-frocked women dancing the Virginia reel. And in Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico, Victorian and Mexican influences blended: pinatas decorated the porches of Queen Anne houses, and luminarias lit the walkways.

Today's events try to re-create the charm and elegance of a Victorian yuletide. Notice the decorations, for example: Victorians practically drowned the house in evergreens, inside and out-wrapping them around staircases, draping them from fixtures, stringing them around hearths and picture frames.

Centerpieces were elaborate, with topiary Santas and reindeer. And the tree was small-often set atop a table-but loaded with glass and tin ornaments, and trimmed with ribbon bows.

Food and music still play a big role in today's celebrations, as they did a century ago. Carolers abound, often in Dickensian costumes. At some holiday events, you can buy crafts or learn how to make them, or just get decorating ideas to try in your own home. Most locations are closed Christmas Day; call ahead.

In the San Francisco Bay Area

Unless noted, area code is 415.

Fremont, Ardenwood Regional Preserve, 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard; 796-0199. A turreted Queen Anne sits on this 205-acre farm. Join a hunt for a yule log, sing carols on a horse-drawn wagon, learn to make lace or crochet ornaments, or sit on the lap of a Santa dressed 1880s-style. Open 10 to 5:30 December 2, 3, and 4; $5, $3 seniors, $2.50 ages 6 through 18. Call to reserve space at high tea (twice daily, $10).

Hayward. McConaghy House, 18701

Hesperian Boulevard; 581-0223. This 1886 farmhouse is decorated for a Victorian Christmas, with games, antique toys, and gift boutique. Open all month, from I to 4 Thursdays through Sundays; $3, $2 seniors, 50 cents ages 6 through 12.

Livermore. Ravenswood Historic Site, 2647 Arroyo Road; 447-7300. This 1885 country estate has a Victorian Christmas Faire with 15 craft and food booths. Open 7 to 9:30 Pm. December 9 ($5), 11 to 8 December 10, and 11 to 4 December It (free).

Martinez. John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Avenue; 228-8860.

This 17-room 1882 mansion serves

Victorian teas with caroling, music, and handmade decorations. Three teas daily on December 17 and 18 ($7, $6 seniors, $5 ages 6 through 17); call for information. Oakland. Dunsmuir House and Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court; 562-0328. Built in 1899, this 37-room mansion holds its 18th old-fashioned Christmas (go early to avoid crowds). Ride in a carriage ($2), buy handmade gifts and decorations, eat in the carriage-house cafe. November 26 through December 18, hours are 10 to 7 Fridays and Saturdays, 10 to 6 Sundays; $9, $8 seniors, $3 ages 6 through 16.

San Francisco. Haas-Lilienthal House, 2007 Franklin Street; 441-3000. From 1 to 5 on December 4, this gabled 1886 house has caroling, games, and an auction ($7). To tour the house, visit noon to 4 Wednesdays and Sundays.

Whittier Mansion, 2090 Jackson Street; 567-1848. This handsome 1896 red-stone house offers music and refreshments from 3 to 5 December 11 ($10). Call for reservations.