Victorian Christmas Salute

Many of the Christmas traditions celebrated in the English-speaking world began in Victorian England. Earlier this month, six of us donned Victorian costumes in an effort to charm the guests of the Annual Military Holiday Ball in Anaheim, CA. The Phoenix Club had a massive Christmas tree next to a stairwell and our team lined up on the stairs next to the tree and welcomed guests with carols. Although we had planned on providing background music, we found that most guests lingered in the foyer to hear us sing. Like many of the soldiers we sang for, one man approached our group wearing his military medals. Unlike the rest, however, he was so touched that he kept wiping away his tears and singing along with us. He stayed until we finally entered the hall where most of the guests were seated at tables.

We wandered from table to table, asking for requests. When we didn’t know the requested song we sang what we knew. Everyone appreciated the live music, including a baby, who peered at us from its mother’s arms. By the end of the evening we knew that the traditions begun back in 19th century England were still resonating with the brave veterans of Southern California.