Historic Jefferson College is continuing a Miss-Lou tradition as the site hosts its annual Celebration of Christmas Trees.

During the first two weeks of December students from the surrounding area journey to the historic site to decorate live trees in the historic 1839 West Wing and 1931 Prospere Hall.

During the days before their visit to Historic Jefferson College, the students have been busy making their special ornaments to decorate a tree bought especially for their school or group.

To celebrate the season and their creativity and decorating, the staff of Historic Jefferson College invites the public to view the trees from Dec. 15-23.

In addition, there will be a special Christmas open house for the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, with a special visit from Santa himself between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Please come by to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while you wander around the grounds and admire the trees.

This year marks the 32nd year that Historic Jefferson College has invited area groups to participate in this program, which includes a short history lesson on the village of Washington (formerly the capital of the Mississippi Territory), discussion of the beginnings of the Victorian Christmas Tree tradition (including Clement Moore’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’), refreshments and a visit from that jolly old man himself as they decorate their trees.

This program would not be possible without the support of our area sponsors and volunteers.

Historic Jefferson College, which is administered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The site will be closed Dec. 23, 24 and 25, and the trees decorations will come down on Dec. 27 and 28.

For more information, please contact me at 601-442-2901 or kmcneil@mdah.state.ms.us.

 

Kay McNeil is a historian and event coordinator at Historic Jefferson College.