THE FAMILY THAT PLAYS TOGETHER

   There was no NFL football game to occupy Christmas revelers in 1822, when A CHRISTMAS BALL takes place. People had to make their own fun, and in the case of this picture of a game of 'blind man's bluff,' rakish young fellows might have a good deal of fun.

But Christmas was a family holiday. Source documents record the glee of boys and young men returning home for Christmas from their boarding schools. It was almost as if they were inmates suddenly freed from prison! To celebrate their return, their families enjoyed parlor games, many with unlikely names: Shoe the Wild Mare, Hot Cockles, Steal the White Loaf, Bob Apple and Snapdragon.

Spending time with loved ones, flirting with pretty girls, having a jolly time with one's family and friends -- sounds like a Regency Christmas shares much with present day celebrations.