A young schoolteacher’s 1876 Christmas journey from St. John’s to Fogo reveals mummering, bonfires, and outport hospitality — a timeless Newfoundland Christmas story about belonging, tradition, and finding home in unexpected places.

In this Christmas story, set on Tibb’s Eve in Trinity, Clara stumbles upon a house aglow with warmth and stories from the past. As the night unfolds, she discovers the magic of memories, old friends, and the fleeting nature of time.

On Boxing Day, Martha’s lonely world changes when a mysterious mummer arrives with a song that brings back memories of lost love. A dance and a promise fulfilled make for the strangest Christmas miracle ever.

In Trinity a rowdy mummer ends up jailed, only for his crew to join him—turning the jailhouse into a wild party. Chaos and snowballs ensue in this oft-repeated Christmas legend.

It’s Christmas and there are mummers throughout Newfoundland, but there’s more to mummering than meets the eye — it’s a surprisingly diverse tradition. 

Not every mummer story has a happy ending. In 1860 a group of mummers killed a man in Bay Roberts , NL — that was only one incident in a string of violent behaviour.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that ol’ Rockyfoot was not drawing near.

From superstitions to magic, Old Christmas Day (January 6th) in Newfoundland comes with a set of strange customs and beliefs.

Tibb’s Eve and mummers? Sure. What about playing for Christmas cake and choosing champion of the bay. There are many strange Newfoundland Christmas customs.

Mummers, Tibb’s Eve, Dark and Light Fruit Cake, Old Christmas Day… These are some of my Newfoundland Christmas traditions.

A Newfoundland mummering story inspired by The Night Before Christmas plus some Newfoundland Christmas facts, history and folklore.