An Old-Fashioned Wassail Holiday Celebration and Open House @ Glebe House

Wassailing is an annual tradition that involves blessing orchards to ensure a good harvest for the year to come. The celebrations involve music, song, dancing, and a recognition of what orchards give to us. It dates from the Anglo-Saxon era, traditionally taking place on the Twelfth Night, but now wassails take place between early December and February. Wassail is a beverage made from hot mulled cider and spices and will be served on Friday, December 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Glebe House located in the historic heart of Woodbury Connecticut. Members are $25 and non-members are $30, and tickets are available at http://www.glebehouse.org or by calling the museum at 203-263-2855.

Wassailing, like many other folk traditions, is a way for people to mark the turning of the seasons. Participants at the Glebe House’s wassailing event will gather around a warm fire and enjoy this iconic holiday beverage while listening to the joyful sounds of the season. Wassail is indeed both a noun and a verb. Mostly it is a salutatory celebration of a long year as you gather with those you cherish and raise a glass of good cheer to toast to a healthy, happy new year and enduring friendships. For wassail is, first and foremost, a salute.

Another highlight of this event is that The Glebe House Museum’s Main Floor will be set for the holidays, and open for viewing and the purchase of holiday décor. Guests may partake of sweet and savory hors d’oeuvres and a choice of beverages including warm “spiked” Wassail, hot chocolate, apple cider, wine, and sparkling water. Enjoy Yuletide Caroling and the company of friends and neighbors as we celebrate the joys of the season.

On December 2, the Glebe House will be hosting an open house and holiday gift shop from 11 am to 3 pm. The museum will be decorated with unique decorations, including ones that may be purchased. Costumed docents will guide visitors through the downstairs of the house as young docents make pomander balls and demonstrate quill writing. Find that unique decoration or a special gift in the Holiday Shoppe located within the Glebe House Museum. Vintage and handmade items will be available for purchase. Cash, check and credit card accepted.