Victorian Christmas Tradition: A COBWEB PARTY~
In CHRISTMAS WITH SOUTHERN LIVING 1982, you can read all about a Victorian tradition I plan to follow religiously... A COBWEB PARTY. Oh yes. Forget the spiders, and herd those dust bunnies to the stockyards. It's time to torture the family with a game only the most limber of your relations can win. This idea was first presented to Victorian mothers in SAINT NICHOLAS MAGAZINE in 1876.
- A different color of yarn for each person--even grandpa.
- At least one present for each person tied somewhere along the length of yarn [on the ball of colored yarn for that person].
- Choose one room for the game.
- Begin at the back of a room, tying all the ends of the yarn to the heaviest gifts. This is your starting point.
- Trail the yarn around the room, under items like pillows and doilies (good places to leave small gifts), and over items, forming a cobweb as you go. This reminded me of the paths people take in Twister to reach colored dots. So, be certain to jumble up those strings while weaving your cobweb.
- When finished, close door to room and fetch your flies.
- A traditional saying is part of this event: "Will you come into my parlor?" said the spider to the fly. " 'Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you did spy; The way into my parlor is up a winding stair. And I have many pretty things to show you when you're there. Will you, will you, walk in, Mister Fly?" p. 28.
- The instructions say to "allow a few minutes for appreciative inspection of the intricate arrangement and guessing about eventual rewards."
- Hand each person his spool of yarn...
They must climb high and low around the room to find their gift(s). I think this sort of event should be videotaped... 
I plan to do this for my daughter's friends. I can hear the laughing now! ~Skhye
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What a great idea! I think my grand-daughter would love this...thanks, Skyhe!
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That sounds like a lot of fun and a great way to engage people!
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What a great way to spend and hour or so. Sounds like a lot of fun and laughter.
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I saw this same game explained in The Tightwad Gazette. Lots of fun for everyone!!!
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Interesting game. Looks like a lot of fun. Merry Christmas, Skhye.
***Merry Christmas, Joan! ~Skhye
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This is soooooo kewl!!! ha ha, the girls will love it! Let me know how it goes!!!!
Andrea :O)
***I say torture that pack of males you live with, Girl! DO IT! And videotape it! LOLLLL ~Skhye
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I want to come to your party!
***Can you arrive by 6 PM Christmas Eve?
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I loved this idea.I'm planning to use it next Christmas for my younger relations. It will be fun.
Barbare
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What fun. I've copied it. Don't know if I'll manage to do it this year, but next year for sure. Will have to try to incorporate it into something I do at the library.
***Hi, Librarypat! I'm using this "system" to reinforce what I've been teaching 4-5 year olds tomorrow. We've been learning about Native-American cultures, astronomy, habitats, and number recognition as well as reading silent -e. I'm going to punch holes in index cards I've written addition problems, vocabulary words, and trivia questions. The children will have to follow their string, find their questions, and answer them to win their treats. I'm thinking I will attach small rewards to each card to keep them interested.
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