For the poorer members of society, the celebration was more about communal sharing. The church often distributed food and alms to the poor, providing a source of support during the cold winter months. In some regions, it was customary for lords to give small gifts to their peasants or servants, such as extra rations or food, which would help them get through the harsh winter.
The Christmas Plays and Pageants
In medieval times, entertainment was a key part of the Christmas celebrations. One of the most notable forms of entertainment was the performance of mystery plays and religious pageants. These plays depicted biblical stories, especially the nativity of Christ, and were often performed in town squares or in churches. The tradition of mystery plays started in the early Middle Ages and grew in popularity during the later medieval period.
The plays were often lively and interactive, involving the local community. Amateur actors from all social classes would take part in the performances, and the plays were often done in the vernacular language of the region, making them accessible to the majority of people. These performances, which were part of the larger tradition of medieval theatrical entertainment, played an important role in communicating religious stories to a largely illiterate population.
In addition to the religious pageants, there were also elements of secular entertainment, including dancing, music, and games. These activities were often part of the larger Christmas festivities and could last well into the night. In some places, people would participate in "mumming," a form of masked play in which participants would wear costumes and perform skits or short plays in public. shutdown123