Tudor Place Celebrates Gifts of Christmas Past With Weekly December Events

Plus, authors ready for Holiday Book Festival and much more.

Tudor Place in Washington, D.C. explores gift giving traditions throughout the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries in a holiday installation now open. The exhibit represents the development of the modern Christmas holiday. 

The growth of America’s economy between 1880 and 1920 transformed the holiday traditions of gift giving, which had been centered around homemade items such as wooden toys, needlework and food. During this period, manufactured goods became widely available, including items like candle holders, lamplighters and tinsel. 

Reservations are recommended, but not required for guided tours of the historic house now through Dec. 31. Tudor Place preserves the stories of six generations of descendants of Martha Washington and the enslaved and free people who lived and worked there for nearly two centuries. 

A schedule of holiday events at Tudor Place include: 

• Wednesdays, Nov. 29 and Dec. 13. Tudor Tots. Children 18 months to four years old will play games, enjoy a group story, cre…