Do sailors have Christmas trees? A museum interpreter talks holiday traditions at sea
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic will be hosting an exciting talk on Maritime Holiday Traditions at Sea on Tuesday, presented by museum heritage interpreter Jason Climie. This event will delve into the various Christmas traditions observed by mariners both in Nova Scotia and on vessels passing through the harbour.
Attendees can expect to learn about surprising traditions at sea, as well as recent Nova Scotian Christmas customs that are sure to fascinate. Climie will also shed light on the lives of contemporary seafarers who visit Halifax, a group that often goes unnoticed by locals despite the vital role they play in maritime activity.
The talk will cover a time period ranging from the mid-1800s to present day, with a focus on personal accounts such as letters from Grace Ladd, a sea captain’s wife, detailing her experiences celebrating Christmas at sea with her family. Climie will explore whether sailors had Christmas trees, revealing that some ships did indeed have small trees tied up on the mast for the crew to enjoy.
The menu for Christmas dinner aboard the HMT Queen Elizabeth in 1945 will be shared, showcasing a traditional spread that includes roast turkey, cranberry sauce, plum pudding, and Christmas cake. Climie will also highlight unique holiday traditions specific to sailors, such as the Royal Canadian Navy’s practice of allowing the youngest sailor to become “captain for a day” on Christmas Day.
Attendees can look forward to viewing historical Christmas cards from ships like Queen Elizabeth and HMS Hood, as well as learning about East Coast traditions like creating Christmas trees with lobster traps. The talk will also feature artifacts such as model schooners donated to the museum by Liz Campbell, which tell the story of a unique Christmas gift-giving tradition within her family.
Maritime Holiday Traditions at Sea will take place on Dec. 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Admission is free, with donations being collected for Feed Nova Scotia. Don’t miss this insightful and festive exploration of the holiday customs observed at sea throughout history.
