Austen Center (a UK site), Christmas in the late 18th and into the early 19th century was a joyous celebration that lasted from December 6th (St Nicholas Day) to January 6th (12th night). There were many parties, balls, and exchanging of gifts during the season. The gentry celebrated it in the country as they did not go up to London until February. Advent was not particularly stressed at that time period nor was Christmas Eve; the main celebtrations were on Christmas Day and the day after, Boxing Day. People were expected to attend church on Christmas Day. Looks like the Gardiner children were left out of a fun time! But they were probably too young to participate anyway.