Female Abolitionists and the Birth of Christmas Traditions: A Historic Look at Their Impact on U.S. Holiday Celebrations

Published on November 22, 2025

The Wayland Museum and Wayland Rev250 are offering a fascinating event that delves into a pivotal yet often overlooked aspect of American holiday history. In an engaging lecture titled “Deck the Halls: Female Abolitionists and the Birth of Christmas Traditions”, historian Ken Turino uncovers the intriguing link between the abolitionist movement and the rise of modern Christmas traditions in America. This talk explores the influence of female abolitionists—such as Maria Chapman, Lydia Maria Child, and Abby Kelly—who not only fought for abolition but also helped shape how Christmas is celebrated in the U.S. today.

Through their involvement in Christmas fairs, Sewing Circles, and other social initiatives, these women raised critical funds for the abolitionist cause and simultaneously popularized customs like Christmas trees, holiday greenery, and gift-giving. Their work was instrumental in transforming Christmas from a largely religious observance into the festive, family-centric celebration we know today. By examining this historical intersection, the talk sheds light on the lesser-known contributions of abolitionist women and offers a new perspective on both the Christmas holiday and the fight for social change.

The Legacy of Abolitionists in American Holiday Traditions

In the mid-nineteenth century, female abolitionists played a crucial role not only in advocating for the end of slavery but also in redefining American culture. Their efforts to raise funds for the abolitionist movement through Christmas fairs had a lasting impact on American holiday celebrations. These fairs, held across Boston and other cities, were organized by anti-slavery societies and prominent figures like William Lloyd Garrison, drawing large crowds and securing critical funding for the movement.

In a time when Christmas was still largely a church-centered holiday, these women introduced new customs that resonated with the growing middle class in the U.S. One of the most significant contributions was the popularization of the Christmas tree, a tradition that had been embraced in Germany but was still foreign to many Americans. Female abolitionists, through their organizational skills and social influence, played a pivotal role in making the Christmas tree an iconic symbol of American holiday celebrations.

Through their Sewing Circles—which were at the heart of many abolitionist activities—women also worked to create handcrafted gifts, textiles, and ornaments, further embedding the practice of gift-giving into Christmas traditions. These gifts, sold at Christmas fairs or exchanged among friends and families, helped to establish the cultural practice of giving that is now a hallmark of the holiday season.

The Boston Fairs: Where Abolition and Christmas Collided

The Boston Christmas fairs, led by female abolitionists, became central events where the dual goals of supporting abolition and spreading Christmas cheer intersected. These fairs featured a blend of craftsmanship, fundraising, and social activism, offering handmade items like quilts and Christmas ornaments for sale, with all proceeds going toward the abolitionist movement. They provided a way for women to engage in social change through hands-on efforts that also had a personal and cultural impact.

Not only did these fairs raise awareness about the plight of enslaved people, but they also laid the groundwork for the creation of lasting holiday traditions. Visitors to the fairs not only purchased gifts and holiday decorations but were also educated about the importance of abolition. In this way, the fairs acted as a cultural exchange, promoting both social justice and holiday cheer simultaneously.

These events did more than just fund the abolitionist cause; they also served as powerful expressions of the community spirit that Christmas would come to symbolize. By combining social activism with festive traditions, these fairs helped establish the groundwork for a secular celebration of Christmas that was about more than just religious observance—it was about family, unity, and shared experiences.

The Enduring Influence of Abolitionist Women on U.S. Holiday Culture

While Christmas traditions were still evolving during the mid-nineteenth century, the contributions of female abolitionists left a lasting mark on how Christmas is celebrated in the United States today. Their efforts to introduce new practices—such as decorating homes with holly, exchanging gifts, and adorning Christmas trees—were instrumental in transforming Christmas from a religiously focused holiday to one that centers on family, gift-giving, and community celebration.

As these practices spread, they took root in the broader cultural landscape, growing into the traditions that are now cherished by families across the country. Today, the decorations, gift exchanges, and elaborate holiday meals that define the Christmas season are all part of a cultural legacy shaped in part by the activism of female abolitionists.

The work of these women shows how social change and holiday culture can intersect in meaningful ways. Their commitment to abolition did not stop at political activism—it also involved shaping the social fabric of the country. By intertwining their advocacy for freedom with the promotion of holiday traditions, they created a new way of celebrating that reflected the values of generosity, community, and justice.

Impact on Travel and Tourism: Celebrating History Through Culture

This historical connection between abolition and Christmas traditions also has implications for tourism, particularly in places like Boston where these events took place. Visitors to the city can now explore sites related to both the abolitionist movement and the rise of Christmas customs that define the American holiday season. Events like this talk at the Wayland Museum, which delve into the history of Christmas traditions and their links to social change, can serve as a tourism draw for those interested in understanding the deeper cultural roots of the holidays.

In cities like Boston and New York, where historical events like the Christmas fairs once took place, tourists can engage in historical walking tours, museum visits, and festivals that explore this unique aspect of holiday culture. These experiences can provide travelers with a more profound understanding of the cultural history behind the holidays they celebrate, making holiday tourism more meaningful and educational.

Moreover, understanding how social movements have shaped Christmas celebrations provides modern-day travelers with a deeper appreciation for the holidays. It adds a layer of historical significance to what is often seen as a purely festive time, turning holiday tourism into an opportunity for cultural education and reflection.

The Wayland Museum: A Space for Exploring Cultural History

The Wayland Museum in Wayland, Massachusetts offers a unique opportunity for those interested in learning about the history of Christmas traditions and their ties to social movements. Through events like the one featuring Ken Turino, the museum is helping to preserve and share the stories of those who shaped both the abolitionist movement and the modern Christmas celebration. The museum’s exhibits and talks are an essential part of local tourism, offering visitors a chance to explore this often-overlooked aspect of American history while gaining a deeper understanding of how social justice and holiday customs intersect.

Conclusion: A Deeper Understanding of Christmas and Social Change

The Deck the Halls: Female Abolitionists and the Birth of Christmas Traditions talk at Wayland Museum serves as a reminder of how cultural traditions are not just born from simple celebration—they can also be powerful tools for social change. Through their work, female abolitionists helped shape the way Americans celebrate the holidays, transforming Christmas into a season of giving, family, and unity while also advocating for the freedom and dignity of all people.

This fascinating history not only enriches our understanding of Christmas but also provides a unique lens through which to explore American culture, social justice, and holiday traditions. As tourism continues to thrive, events like these offer visitors a deeper connection to the country’s cultural and historical roots, making holiday travel both enjoyable and educational.