With Titanic sadly sinking in April, Titanic never saw a Christmas onboard. However Olympic did have a few Christmas voyages in her career. So we can get a rough idea of what a Titanic Christmas voyage might have looked like.
What Titanic likely looked like on a Christmas Crossing. Artwork by RMSTitanic.design
Christmas Crossings
Given White Star Line's unwavering commitment to maintaining a reliable and regular transatlantic crossing, it was inevitable that their ships would continue to operate even during the Christmas period. Specialised Christmas voyages were organized, extending over the festive day itself. White Star Line took great care to ensure that passengers on these journeys felt comfortable and that the spirit of the season was catered to even at sea.
While these Christmas voyages might not have been at full capacity, they would have attracted a diverse range of passengers. Some may have been individuals returning home to celebrate Christmas with their families, while others could have been seeking an affordable transatlantic fare. The blend of passengers on these journeys likely contributed to a unique and varied onboard atmosphere during the holiday season.
Image of Christmas Decorations onboard RMS Berengaria
Decorations
It is challenging to ascertain the specific decorations used on the RMS Olympic during Christmas, as there are no known photographs depicting the ship adorned for the holiday. One can only presume that any decorations employed would have been modest and in keeping with the Edwardian era. This approach aimed to avoid alienating passengers with diverse traditions or religious beliefs.
Contrary to the modern image of lavish garlands cascading down first-class staircases and doors adorned with wreaths, such elaborate decorations were not customary during that period. Edwardians, in a tasteful manner, adorned their homes with holly, ivy, yew, mistletoe, paper chains, ribbons, and candles.
It is reasonable to consider that shipboard decorations during Christmas on the RMS Olympic might have mirrored the prevalent trends of the time.
Christmas trees enjoyed widespread popularity during the Edwardian era, and it is likely that one would have been placed in either of the dining rooms or the first-class reception room. Typically adorned with paper chains, homemade decorations, and ribbons—often crafted by children—the trees would have embraced the emerging trend of electric lights.
The ship's interior might have featured suspended decorations such as string popcorn, either left bare or painted, hanging from the ceiling. Additionally, various foliage like mistletoe and holly, each symbolizing different sentiments such as luck, wealth, and love, would likely have been carefully positioned.
Given the diverse Christmas traditions of passengers, the RMS Olympic would have been expected to accommodate a range of preferences, allowing passengers to personalise their cabins according to their unique festive whims.
An Edwardian Christmas Tree
Traditions
The Edwardians embraced a rich tapestry of traditions rooted in diverse beliefs and regional backgrounds, and the Titanic likely incorporated many of these customs.
Christmas Crackers: A quintessential element of Edwardian Christmas, Christmas Crackers—decorated rolled paper tubes containing toys, candy, and paper hats—would have been a cherished tradition aboard the Titanic. The modern 'snap strip' in crackers, emphasising the sound, echoes this age-old practice.
Christmas Cards: Among the festive preparations, the exchange of Christmas cards was a delightful Edwardian tradition, with passengers aboard the Titanic certainly partaking in the joy of writing and sending seasonal greetings.
Caroling: It is likely that passengers engaged in singing carols throughout the ship, possibly even going door to door to serenade fellow passengers. The onboard band would have likely contributed to the festive atmosphere by playing beloved Christmas songs.
Religious Traditions: Mass, prayers, and Christingles—candles inserted into oranges and paraded while singing—reflecting religious significance, would have been observed aboard the Titanic.
Games: Parlour games such as musical chairs, finding the thimble, and Piggy Squeak were popular pastimes during the Edwardian era, enjoyed by individuals of all ages.
Luck Traditions: The Titanic would have accommodated various luck-related practices and superstitions. For instance, attempting to throw the first opened champagne cork down the chimney for good luck, a tradition that might have posed a unique challenge given Titanic's distinctive funnel chimneys. Another tradition involved discovering a coin in the Christmas pudding when served, adding an element of luck to the festivities.
Christmas Dinner
Dining during the Edwardian era was a celebration of culinary delights, and Christmas, in particular, was marked by an extravagant feast aboard the RMS Olympic. The Christmas dinner on the ship comprised a sumptuous six-course affair. Commencing with Oxtail Soup, the culinary journey unfolded with Roast Beef, Roast Gosling, and culminated in a delectable ensemble of Plum Pudding, Mince Pies, and an assortment of fruits.
Beyond the main courses, a plethora of additional food traditions graced the festive table. Roasted nuts, dates, figs, and chocolates added a touch of indulgence. Unique offerings like Boar's Head, Sheep's Tongue, and Chestnut Pork added a distinctive flair to the feast. The cheese selection, along with a variety of puddings, cakes, and sweets, ensured a diverse and satisfying spread.
A standout among the culinary traditions was the Christmas Pudding. Prepared months in advance, this fruit cake underwent a meticulous process of steaming and regular brandy feedings until Christmas. On the day itself, the pudding was steamed once more, generously doused with brandy, and then served in a truly spectacular fashion—flaming, with the cake emitting a beautiful blue flame, creating a visual and gastronomic spectacle for the festive occasion.
Christmas menus from Olympic
Gift giving/receiving
Another tradition of gifts, especially for the children. Stockings were a relatively new trend, and passengers would hang stockings (socks) in their cabins to receive gifts from Father Christmas. Gifts of the time included, fruit, a toy or some coins. It was also said that naughty children received a lump of coal in their stockings.
White star line staff would have likely received gifts in the form or tips, or lucky trinkets. White star would have also likely given passengers a small gift on Christmas morning, either with breakfast or at dinner in the form of a candy sweet, or a small trinket.
Father Christmas / Santa Claus / St Nicholas
During the Edwardian era, the portrayal of Father Christmas on Christmas cards deviated from the contemporary image we associate with him today. Rather than the iconic red-and-white suit, he was often depicted donning a distinctive blue hooded robe. Some depictions featured Father Christmas with a wreath of evergreens encircling his head, adding a touch of seasonal symbolism.
As the Edwardian era progressed, there was a merging of the figures of Father Christmas and St. Nicholas. In this amalgamation, Father Christmas began to be pictured wearing a red suit, aligning more closely with the modern representation. He assumed the role of a benevolent figure who brought gifts to well-behaved children, a tradition that involved youngsters hanging up their stockings on Christmas Eve in anticipation of his visit. This evolution marked a shift in the visual and cultural portrayal of Father Christmas during the Edwardian Christmas celebrations.
Children would also dress up in 'fancu dress' costumes as characters of the nativity and from their favourite books.
Father Christmas onboard the Olympic organised by a childrens charity.
Weather
Navigating the North Atlantic Ocean in December could be challenging, characterised by bitter cold and stormy conditions. Despite the efforts of the staff and crew to ensure passenger comfort, the Christmas crossings might not have been as idyllic as one might envision, with a likelihood of some passengers experiencing seasickness in their cabins.
On the flip side, the interior of the ship would have provided a haven of coziness and warmth amid the freezing temperatures outside. Imagining the contrast, it becomes apparent that observing the weather from the comfort of the ship's interior could have been a uniquely pleasant experience.
The presence of snowfall would likely render the outside decks impractical for passenger use. However, this did not preclude the possibility of hosting onboard snow-related activities, such as snowman building competitions and other wintry games, adding a touch of festive cheer to the seafaring journey despite the challenging conditions.
Christmas in the Reading and Writing room. Artwork by RMSTitanic.design
Written by Chris Walker of RMSTitanic.Design
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