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 journeyed to the historic site to decorate trees in the historic West Wing and 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 during from now until Dec. 22 and 27-29. In addition, there will be a special Christmas Open House for the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. Please come by to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while you wander around the grounds and admire the trees.

This year marks the 31st 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’), and refreshments.

This program would not be possible without the support of our area sponsors. Thank you to all of them.

Sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Historic Jefferson College 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. 23-26 and the 30th and 31st.

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

 

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