Christmas Day Norfolk Island Colonial Settlement 1788 – 1814

25 Dec 1788 Philip King wrote: The 25th, being Christmas-day, it was observed as a holyday. The colours were hoisted at sun-rise: I performed divine service; the officers dined with me, and I gave each of the convicts half a pint of rum, and double allowance of beef, to celebrate the festival: the evening concluded with bonfires, which consisted of large piles of wood, that had been previously collected for the occasion.

25 Dec 1789 Philip King wrote: Moderate breezes & pleasant Wr at Sunrise hoisted ye Colours in observance of Christmas Day. at 10 AM performed Divine Service killed 2 Hogs belonging to the Crown Wt 180 lb & issued them 1 lb & ½ to each person & as our Crop of Wheat has been a good one gave them 2 lb of Flour each Man & one pound to the Women —

25 Dec 1790: Ralph Clark wrote: Fine weather but blows fresh from the Southward and a great Sea Rolling into the Bay which will make a great Surf on the Reef on which there is a great dele at present — this being Christmas day I wish a merry merry Christmas to all the world — the most poorest person in England will be better off this day than any of use here for the(y) will be able to get Small bier with their dinner to drink if nothing better and there is not any of use will have anything better but cool water this will be a dry Christmas — doe good Gorgon come and take use away from this place.

Philip King does not mention Christmas Day 1791 in his journal.

25 Dec 1792 Philip King wrote: Was observed as a Holyday and divine Service preformed. The good things that were purchased from the Philadelphia enabled everyone to pass this Festival, which much Conviviality and regular behaviour.

25 Dec 1793 Philip King wrote: Devine Service was preformed and kept as a Holyday.

Philip King does not mention Christmas Day 1794 or 1795 in his journal.

1801: Sarah WHITFIELD, born January 1801, Norfolk Island, she was baptised 25 December 1801 Norfolk Island by Rev. Fulton.

1804: Anne BARNES, born 7 April 1804 Norfolk Island, she was baptised 25 December 1804, Norfolk Island by Rev Fulton.

1804: Mary Ann WHITE – SYDES, born 1804 Norfolk Island. She was baptised as Mary White, 25 December 1804 Norfolk Island by Rev. Fulton.

1804: Rebecca GETTIS, born 25 December 1804 Norfolk Island, daughter of William Charlton.

1805: Thomas ABEL, born February 1805 Norfolk Island, was baptised 25 December 1805 Norfolk Island by Rev. Fulton.

1805: Thomas FOWLER, born November 1805, Norfolk Island, he was baptised 25 December 1805 Norfolk Island by Rev Fulton.

1805: Ann ISRAEL, born 1799 Norfolk Island. she was baptised 25 December 1805 Norfolk Island by Rev Fulton.
Her brother George ISRAEL, born 1805 Norfolk Island was also baptised 25 December 1805 Norfolk Island by Rev Fulton

1805: Norfolk Island shop purchases 25 Dec 1805: William Isaac, Theatre for Mrs Robley, Samuel Free

1807: Settlers embarked HMS Porpoise for the Derwent (Hobart) 25 December 1807

1810: Dorcas Talbot – Mrs Hatcher, discharged from Norfolk Island Hospital on Christmas Day 25 December 1810.