In proper colonial style, we partook of the first day of Christmas, Dec 26, at Mount Vernon.
Snow at Mount Vernon
Last night’s rain washed away most of our historic 20” of snow that we’ve enjoyed for a week in Northern Virginia.
At least we got to see a bit of snow at Mount Vernon, with the drizzly foggy day set against the distant Potomac.
Rare third-floor mansion tour
With enthusiasm we took a rare house tour up to the third-floor tour of the mansion!
The stairs, which are tight, took us to a small room where Martha Washington spent her last days after the death of her beloved husband.
She couldn’t bear to sleep in their room anymore.
Throughout the mansion we saw the historic Christmas decorations of the 18th century, deck the halls with boughs of holly.
Twelfth Night Cake
The dining table also had one of the gorgeous fruited towering centerpieces.
Next to that was one of Lady Washington’s infamous Twelfth Night Cakes.
Twelfth Night, celebrated January 6, marks the end of the Twelve days of Christmas and the Washington’s wedding anniversary.
I received a copy of her recipe, along with a modern version, in our schedule of events for the day.
The family is anticipating my marking Washington’s birthday in Feb with this cake and peanut soup (his favorite).
Christmas Pye
On the table laid a Christmas pye, filled with five types of meat: turkey, goose, fowl, partridge, and pigeon.
Seasoned with mace, nutmeg, cloves, and black pepper, the boned meat was stuffed inside each other.
After applying the pastry and four pounds of butter, it was baked in a very hot oven for at least four hours.
The pastry, not meant to be eaten, functions as a sturdy container that lasts for days, enabling it to be shipped to friends across the ocean as a gift.
Aladdin the Christmas Camel
Then we visited the Christmas camel, Aladdin.
General Washington arranged for his grandchildren to enjoy a camel at Mount Vernon during Christmastide!
The friendly camel walked directly to my son.
Then he walked over to a man standing near us.
The camel even laid his muzzle into the man’s neck, then licked the man in the ear, on the face, in his hands, and even tried to nab his cap!
Then the camel started after my daughter who laughingly ran off!
Gingerbread House of Mount Vernon
We went inside the museum to warm up and see the Gingerbread house of Mount Vernon, made by a pastry chef who used to work at the White House.
Comment from my old blog
Mount Vernon December 28, 2009 at 10:32 AM –Thanks for visiting Mount Vernon and for providing such a detailed, positive review of your experience! We’re glad you enjoyed your time and that you were able to visit during Christmas at Mount Vernon. Best wishes, Emily Dibella VP, Marketing at Mount Vernon
