In 1752, nearly 25 years before the American colonies declared their freedom from Great Britain, the strong-willed residents of the Outer Banks, particularly those in Rodanthe, issued their own declaration of independence. The British Empire had adopted the Gregorian Calendar and, with it, a new date for celebrating Christmas: December 25. But the islanders — and many others around the world — answered with a resounding “Bah, humbug!”
Thus began the quaint tradition that’s now known as Old Christmas. On this annual observance — still going strong nearly 270 years later — the islanders celebrate Christmas not only on December 25 but also on January 6, as a nod to the “Old Christmas” date that was used for thousands of years.
Over the generations, the celebration has grown to include festive music and caroling, voracious feasting, the forgiveness of old grudges, and the climactic arrival of “Old Buck,” an otherwise ornery bull (well, two people in a makeshift bull costume) that mingles with villagers and allows children to ride on his back.
If it all seems a tad strange, that’s because it is. But then again, who would have a problem with enjoying two Christmases?
When cold weather settles in around the mountains, across the Piedmont, and along the coast, stay toasty with these four recipes.
Each month, our senior editor, a former music editor of Rolling Stone, curates one-of-a-kind Spotify playlists featuring North Carolina songs and musicians. We sat down with him to find out more about his love of music.
Whether you need fuel for sledding and snowball fights or comfort food for a day spent by the fire, these recipes — from snow cream and hot cocoa to warming casseroles, stews, and soups — will keep you cozy.
Everything grinds to a halt when Mother Nature dumps snow and ice on North Carolina. Still, there’s something special about seeing glistening ice or a bright mound of snow piled high where it doesn’t seem to belong.
