An 1855 Christmas

We had a real fun day out at Missouri Town 1855's Christmas Celebration. It is sort of a family tradition for us to attend the event. Nothing puts us in the mood for Christmas more than a good old fashioned Christmas. Missouri Town 1855 is located at Lake Jacomo, Missouri. It is a living history museum, and they do a special reenactment of a Christmas past every year. There is so much to see and do there, and the kids love running from one building to the next to experience something new.

Naughty Trying To Blow Out the Candles

This year was different from past years, because it was slightly warmer than usual. We are having wacky weather here in Missouri. All the snow we got the other day is all but gone. Today is supposed to be 61 degrees, and tomorrow is supposed to be 16 with more snow. It is a weather roller coaster. It was also incredibly windy. I felt like I was back in South Dakota with all the wind!

The kids had a very Christmasy time despite the warmer weather. They got to string popcorn, sing carols, make a Chrsitmas sachet for the tree, eat cookies and pulled taffy, and listen to stories of Der Belsnickel. The Belsnickel is a German form of Santa. He is like a Santa helper, who carries goodies and a switch. He helps find the good kiddies (for the treats), and the bad kiddies (well for the switch). Brendan was all big eyed when he heard this Santa gave out "whoopins" to the naughty little boys and girls. I think he was a little nervous! lol However, he managed to skate by and receive a treat from the Belsnickel.

Der Belsnickel

Grateful For a Candy Cane Instead of the Switch

Stringing Popcorn

Decorating the Tree

The sights and smells of an old fashioned Christmas surround you at Missouri Town. The smell of pine, mixed with, oranges, spices, and the fireplace are just heavenly. We got to sample raisin bread, sugar cookies, a spiced warm tea, and pulled taffy. McKenna thought the old fashioned taffy tasted like candy corn. One house had a hanging Christmas tree. The lady of the house explained how all the homemade ornaments told the story of Christmas. How the animals represented Noah's ark, the star is obvious, the balls on the tree stood for the neverending cycle of Jesus, the garland represented the shroud of Jesus, and angel on the top for the angels that appeared to the shepherds. There was also a sponge on a stick next to the tree, which I had never seen before. Apparently it represents the sponge with vinegar that was place on Jesus lips, and also had a prctical purpose. If a spark flew from the candles on the tree, they would dip the sponge in a nearby bucket of water and snuff it out.

Pulling Taffy

Spiced Tea

The Original Stove Top Stuffing

We really had a great time at the Christmas Celebration. My crew even managed to find the last bit of snow, and have a snowball fight. Overall it was a real great family day.

Can't Keep My Monkeys Out Of The Trees