Since Jane Austen was born in December (December 16, 1775), my local chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North American (Minnesota) celebrates with an annual Christmas party at which we honor her memory on or near her birthday.
We always have a toast to Jane, with words taken from something her brother Henry wrote after Jane’s death. He describes her as:
[having] the most lively imagination, and the keenest relish for wit.
She always sought, in the faults of others, something to excuse, to forgive or forget. She never uttered a hasty, a silly or a severe expression. In short, her temper was as polished as her wit. She became an authoress entirely from taste and inclination. Neither the hope of fame nor profit were mixed with her early motives.
She was thoroughly religious and devout; fearful of giving offence to God, and incapable of feeling it towards any fellow creature.”
—Biographical Notice of the Author, by Henry Austen, in the first edition of Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, 1817
We honor her annually with not only a toast but also with a large birthday cake.
At the event, we have a boutique with several people offering Regency-era clothing, accessories, tea, and books (including mine).
This year, the party was held at a beautifully-decorated room at a country club, thanks to the generosity of one of our members. The room and tables were gorgeous and the brunch buffet delicious. Plus we raised funds to benefit JASNA as well as Jane Austen’s House Museum and Chawton House. I felt quite privileged to be able to attend such a festive, delightful event!
On a related note, I kept the Jane Austen theme for December going by also attending an excellent play, MISS BENNET: Christmas at Pemberley, with old friends. In this beautiful production, bookish Mary Bennet gets her long-awaited happily-ever-after. If the play is being performed near you, I heartily recommend it.
Are you an admirer of Jane Austen, too? How are you making December special?
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Lots of gathering with family this year which has been and will be very nice. And I’m going to see the Nutcracker ballet which I haven’t seen since I was a girl. Nothing Jane Austen about Christmas for me, but I am an Austen fan. One of my recent favorite books is a retelling of Pride and Prejudice, Unequal Affections.
Sounds lovely, Robin. And somehow I missed that about Unequal Affections. Will check it out!
I’m a huge admirer of Jane! What a fun gathering in celebration of her birthday. 🙂
Thank you, Becky. Merry Christmas.
What a marvelous event! I would have been greatly tempted by those hats, especially if I could find a gown to go with it. 🙂 It looks like a marvelous time, Julie.
Thanks, Karen. Yes, Matti and Hannah would certainly be able to provide you with both hat and gown. They’ve made a few lovely things for me over the years.
I’m reading a variation of P & P this week. “The Last House in Lambton” by Grace Gibson.
Oh, sounds good! Thanks for stopping by, Ann.
Did you wear a period gown and hat to Jane’s party, Julie? I will check out the books and events mentioned by you and your readers. Travels to South Dakota to be with family is how we will make our December special. And, I will be reading your new book on the way! Happy Holidays, my friend!
Hi Suz. No, I didn’t wear a costume this year but admired those who did! Safe travels, my friend.
Your event looks like it was a lot of fun! I’ve enjoyed Jane Austen’s novels, although I haven’t re-read any in a while because my TBR is towering with books to read the first time. I have, however, been enjoying a Jane Austen loose tea that is simply delicious, hot or iced. And this from a coffee drinker!(Simpson & Vail has 11 literary-themed teas, should you want to check them out.)
Ohhh! Sounds good, Janice. I’ll check them out. Thanks.
How fun! I’ve been a Jane Austen fan since I was a young teenager. The first three time I became an aunt the babies was due in December (three years in a row!), and I always thought it was would be amazing to have a niece born on Jane Austen’s birthday! Later I had a fourth chance to hit the 16th, but alas, we’ve missed it all four times! Two nephews and two nieces with birthdays on the 6th, 8th, 12th, and 30th.
Gosh, Julie – this sounds like the most fun! Thanks for sharing with us!
I finally have time to go back and read old blog posts now that Christmas is over, but too late to get to that play. That would have been fun. I will look into the Jane Austen Society, since I am here in MN.