"On Christmas day a hunch of cloud moved in. But the aunt was up from St. John's, and they had Christmas dinner with Dennis and Beety in Mrs. Buggit's kitchen, people in and out, the fire bursting hot and stories of old time teak days and mummers and jannies." (The Shipping News, p. 281)

    Christmas in rural Newfoundland can be a Christmas like no other. The excitement of the season continues long after the presents have been open and the turkey dinner eaten. In Newfoundland there is the tradition of mummering. This tradition is celebrated through the twelve days of Christmas. Mummers are a welcomed part of the Christmas holiday. Your house is filled with music and laughter as they sing and dance.
    During the season a rough knock at the door means there are probably mummers about. When you open the door you are confronted with a variety of people in all types of disguises. They call out to be invited in and they are all acting a little foolish. They enter the house eager for a good time, and you are trying to figure out exactly who is behind those silly disguises. They are sure to be friends or neighbours, but it is a guessing game. If the identity of a mummer is guessed then they take off the mask and reveal themselves.
    Shortly after entering the house there is sure to be someone who starts playing a fiddle or an accordion to begin a dance. A dance breaks out and you wonder if the old floor can take the pressure. They soon settle for a drink and some fruitcake before they leave. They leave as quickly as they appeared wishing you good cheer for the holiday and moving on to the next home.
    This tradition has been a part of Newfoundland tradition since at least the early 1800s as settlers to the island brought with them their many folk traditions from the West Country England and Southern Ireland. Christmas was the only time of the year when work was set aside and merrymaking took its place. Mummering became common in the more remote communities along the coast. However, it has undergone a transition and is becoming a part of the Newfoundland culture once again.