Have you ever wondered what it was like for folks at Christmas in 1860? Natchez National Historical Park is trying to capture a little of that time at their Christmas at Melrose this weekend.

I’ve pictured it as a quiet gathering with friends and family singing, sharing tales, food and gifts around a beautifully decorated home.

Think about that — no television, radio or video games to distract the family from being together. Of course the children would be playing with their new toys, games and dolls as they should be, but for the most part the family would be together. I probably have been watching too many old movies without any historical context. I would hope that part of my thoughts on this subject would ring true, but I doubt it for most families in the South.

The year 1860 was leading up to secession and the Civil War. I’m sure the families were worried about what they were seeing in the newspaper, the recent election, and what impact it may have on their families. Because of the uncertain future, maybe some felt this would especially be a time to gather the family and have the best Christmas they could.

We do know that the McMurran family of Melrose was out of town. Their letters didn’t say a whole lot of what they were doing or thinking at that time. We can only surmise from what historians have told us what a typical family might be doing during this tumultuous time. On the other side of the coin, what were the enslaved people thinking?

I’m sure they looked at things differently. I could have been a time of hope but none the less nerve wracking too.

We are inviting the public to join us for a gathering that will look at this Christmas past during the day from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Although Melrose is under some restoration on the outside, the inside is beautiful and decorated as it would have been during the 1860s. There will be something for everyone.

Children of all ages will have a chance to make some antebellum Christmas crafts and listen to Rosa Ashby Metoyer tell her Butter Bean Tales of African-American heritage all days.

Saturday will have Girl Scout carolers singing period songs at 10:30 a.m. Incidentally any Girl Scout who would like to earn their caroling badge can meet at Melrose visitor center at 10:15 a.m.

Brook-Mont Strings Plus will be playing their Dulcimers at 1 p.m.

If you haven’t had a chance to see the historic camellias this year, we will be giving tours of the gardens with our Master Gardeners all days too. The best part is it is all free!

At the end of your visit, please stop by the visitor center for period refreshments and place a star on our veterans tree of your favorite soldier past or present.

It will be a fun-filled weekend at your National Park.

For more information, see our website www.nps.gov/natc or call us at 601-446-5790.

David Wyrick is the chief of interpretation and Resource Management Natchez National Historical Park.