Christmas eve was ushered in by the crew with much rejoicing: they had formed their mess tables and arranged them on each side of the lower deck, with a president & vice at the top and bottom of each, vying with each other in producing the best song and toast. It afforded us infinite pleasure to find so many men thus situated, enjoying themselves with the greatest harmony and good humour. The following being the “day of days”. Christmas was commenced by the performance of divine service, with an appropriate sermon from our Revd. Chaplain; and a small addition made to the rations, that the people may partake of as good a dinner as the means at Command.
The luxuries consisted of a joint of English Roast Beef, Venison, and Plum Puddings, the former of that had been preserved frozen since 1st July last year. Also a tin Case of preserved Potatoes, all of which proved exceedingly good.
In the early part of the day, a circumstance took place, which for want of a subject may not be considered out of place to relate: being a very ancient custom still followed up in H.M. Navy.
How do you maintain #FestiveTraditions during an expedition to the Arctic? Explorer William Mogg gives his guide from the 1820s #ArchiveAdventCalendar @arascot.bsky.social "Christmas eve was ushered in by the crew with much rejoicing..."
