Decking the halls for the final time at Red House Museum

Since the museum in Oxford Road, Gomersal, opened to the public in 1980 staff have literally trimmed the halls with boughs of holly and other foliage they find in the gardens to give visitors an insight into Christmas past.

This year though the celebrations will be tinged with sadness as it will be the final time the house will be decked up for Christmas since its closure to the public, on December 21, was announced as part of the budget cuts.

However, despite the disappointment the museum is closing, the Friends of Red House are determined their forthcoming Christmas event, on Sunday, December 11, will be a happy occasion.

On Thursday, December 8, the dressing of the house will begin to help re-create the Christmas past as it would have been enjoyed when the Taylor family lived there.

Generations of the family, who were renowned for their role in the textile industry, lived at Red House for around 300 years. Of course the most famous connection is Mary Taylor, daughter of Joshua Taylor, who was a close friend of Charlotte Bronte.

Red House, where Charlotte visited, was said to have been the inspiration for the abode 'Briarmains' in Charlotte's novel 'Shirley.'

Jacqueline Ryder, chairman of the Friends of Red House, explains how the trimming up preparations begin the week before the house hosts the Christmas event.

The Kissing Ball, as it was known in the 1830s when the house would have been decorated in that style for Christmas, is a focal part of the Christmas decorations. "It goes back to an old tradition of bringing greenery into the house in the dark days of winter, so holly, ivy, mistletoe, all the things which are still green in the middle of winter," says Jacqueline.

She explains how spices, apples, ribbons and candles would also be used as part of the decorations along with garlands of greenery down the bannisters and along the balcony.

Interestingly, what is missing from the festive celebrations is the Christmas tree - now a focal point of the festive decorations.

"Days before Christmas trees were popular there wouldn't be a Christmas tree as we know it now, they would have all this greenery from the gardens and from hedgerows," says Jacqueline.

"The main focus was food and family time and making small gifts to give to family and close friends."

Handmade creations such as embroidered handkerchiefs, slippers or knitted gloves or socks would have been among the type of presents exchanged.

"It was much more personal and family orientated," says Jacqueline.

The family would feast on either roast beef or goose which would be the centrepiece of the dinner table. During the Christmas event, which runs from noon until 4pm, visitors will have the opportunity to sample seasonal tasters such as a non-alcoholic version of mulled wine, made with fruit juice and spices and served warm, and a hot spiced apple drink. Traditional festive music will be performed by the Nonsuch Dulcimers.

"I think it is important to uphold the old traditions and we have done that in the past with Heritage Open weekends," adds Jacqueline.