On Christmas Day in the morning...

On this day in 1870, Christmas is declared a federal holiday in the United States.

There was a strong Anti-British sentiment after the American Revolution and many English customs fell out of favor, Christmas being one of them. In fact, if your were around on Christmas Day in 1789, you would have found the shops open and even the U.S. Congress in session.

Slowly there was a return to the twelve day celebration of Christmas.

The Historical Inebriant:  Whiskey Eggnog

http://www.drinknation.com/theme/Christmas

Ingredients:

2 oz. Blended Whiskey
5 oz. Milk
1 sprinkle Nutmeg
1 tsp. Sugar, powdered
1 whole Eggs

Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Strain into a collins glass and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

For a historical glimpse into Christmas in America:

http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/ch/in_america.htm