Probably the most frustrating aspect of our hectic modern life is that busy families rarely see their nearest and dearest, never mind spending enjoyable, memory-making time together.
The remedy: set aside some special time for the family. This was not a problem for families during the Victorian era, of course. Every evening after supper, they retired to the front parlor to enjoy the pleasures of home-circle times.
You might ask: What's so old-fahioned about this tradition? We also spend every evening together in the living room.
Yes, dear reader, but with the television off? Do not panic, I am going to give some suggestions on what your family could be doing together instead of watching television.
It's called having fun. Victorian families had an abundance of popular parlor amusements, or "fireside pastimes," for their entertainment. For example, in her book Home Amusements, written in 1881, Mrs. M.E. Sherwood declared that there were a "thousand and one devices by which the modern family can amuse themselves." Among the most popular: a wide assortment of board games, brain games, word puzzles, theatricles, charades, and "the most artistic of home amusements---the "Tableau vivant", or living pictures, a diversion in which a group would act out a famous painting or scene while onlookers would guess what it was.
There are a number of amusements that retain the power to charm contemporary children. A favorite Victorian family winter-evening pastime that has withstood the test of time is a taffy pull.
On family night in January is always reserved for an old-fahioned taffy pull. It is not as bad as you imagine. Messy, yes. But the pleasure and delight we all experience make a taffy pull a wonderful winter tradition.
Here's how to do it. In a large saucepan combine 1-1/2 cups light brown sugar, 2 T. mild white vinegar, and 2T. butter. Stir once and bring the mixture to boil until it registers 270 on the candy thermometer, then 1/2t. vanilla. Pour onto a large greased platter and wait five minutes or until the taffy is cool enough to handle.
Next, don aprons and smocks. Poke a hole into the taffy with your finger; if it stays put, your ready to begin. Roll the taffy into a ball. Form two teams of helpers and start pulling, but don't let the taffy break. Roll the taffy into a ball again and pull. Repeat this process at least five times or until the taffy is light and firm. Stretch it into a twisted rope, cut into small pieces, and enjoy!! Now who says your family doesn't stick together. Happy January!!
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