Every year, after festivities wind down on Christmas Day, many people experience a feeling of melancholy. Once all the wrapping paper has been ripped off the presents, it's not uncommon for revelers to catch the post-Christmas blues as they begin to think of the bleak winter months that must be endured before the next holiday. But most people don't know that this is a uniquely modern problem - some centuries ago, Christmas Day marked the beginning of the fun.

The traditional English Christmas was known as Yuletide, a custom involving 12 days of partying that kicked off on Dec. 25 every year. Christmas Day itself was primarily for religious observance. The holiday was followed by large gatherings of friends and family members who shared meals, played games, swapped stories and danced together. Gift giving did not have the same importance as it does in modern times, but rather it involved the exchange of small, sentimental presents on New Year's Day. After nearly two weeks, Yuletide celebrations usually peaked on Twelfth Night with a large dinner party or a ball.

Historic Rock Ford, 881 Rockford Road, Lancaster, offers members of the community a chance to see how Christmas was celebrated in the 18th century with its annual Yuletide Tours. This year, the self-guided tours will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; and Friday, Dec. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. During each tour, guests are invited to explore the halls of Rock Ford's historic mansion, which belonged to Revolutionary War general Edward Hand.

The home will be transformed into a historically accurate re-creation of how it likely appeared when Hand dwelled there. Volunteers who are dressed in period-accurate clothing will be located throughout the rooms to answer guests' questions, and meals that were popular in Colonial times will be prepared in the kitchen. In the hallways, performers will showcase traditional waltzes and other dances from the era. Harpsichordists Margaret Marsch and Faith Martin and violinist Mercy Martin will provide live music during each tour.

Guests may visit the mansion's study to hear a recorded monologue of Hand played by an actor. In the recording, Hand reflects on Christmas Day in 1776, when he crossed the Delaware River beside George Washington to turn the tide of the Revolutionary War. Two decades later, Hand ponders the luxuries that were made attainable by the sacrifices of others.

The Yuletide Tours are historically informed by Historic Rock Ford's curator, Sarah Alberico, who has researched old newspapers and archives to learn what was customary in the 18th century.

"The Yuletide Tours are an opportunity take a little breath after the frantic holiday," said Sam Slaymaker, Historic Rock Ford's director. "Enjoy the sights and sounds of a time that was more reflective and more about being with friends and family."

To purchase tickets for the Yuletide Tours, visit https://rockford.yapsody.com.