Christmas is officially over at my house. This morning, I’ll start packing away the decorations, carefully tucking ornaments and garlands back into boxes destined for the attic.
For some reason, the act of dismantling Christmas always makes me think of Breaking Up Christmas, an old Appalachian tradition that dates back to the early 1900s and was especially beloved in Western North Carolina and parts of Virginia.
Back then, poor roads and limited transportation meant that when folks visited, they tended to stay a while. Christmas was one of the most popular times for family gatherings, and hillbillies never missed an opportunity to turn an extended visit into something special.
Each evening from Christmas Day to Old Christmas was an opportunity for neighbors to gather, celebrate, and break up the long winter nights.
The tradition revolved around a rotating schedule of gatherings, with a different home hosting each night. Families flung their doors open to friends and neighbors, offering up food, drink, and warm hospitality. Rooms were cleared of furniture to make space for dancing, and the air was filled with laughter and the sounds of lively music.
Musicians, armed with fiddles, banjos, and guitars, squeezed into whatever corner they could find, filling the room with toe-tapping tunes. Folks would flatfoot on the hardwood floors while others gathered around for storytelling or simply sat back to soak in the joy of the season.
The beauty of Breaking Up Christmas was in its simplicity. It didn’t require anything fancy—just music, good food, and a welcoming spirit. Yet, it became a cherished way to share the season, strengthen community bonds, and carry the holiday cheer well past Christmas Day.
I’ve never had the chance to attend a Breaking Up Christmas party, but I’d love to one day. It’s a tradition that embodies everything I love about Appalachian culture: resourcefulness, connection, and the joy of making something magical out of the everyday.
P.S. The above photo was taken by one of my sponsors! How pretty is that?? You can find more of his photography on his website.
