Historic Jefferson College is continuing a Miss-Lou tradition as the site is hosting its annual Celebration of Christmas Trees (formerly called the Children’s Victorian Christmas). During the first two weeks of December students from the surrounding area are journeying 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. After all of their creativity and decorating, the staff of Historic Jefferson College invites the public to view the trees during December 12-23 and 27-30.

This year marks the 29th year that Historic Jefferson College has invited area groups to participate in this program, which includes a short history lesson on Washington, a former 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.

The staff of Historic Jefferson would like to thank the sponsors for the 29th Celebration of Christmas Trees: Pepsi Cola Company of Natchez for furnishing the drinks and to Natchez Market No. 2 for giving us the cookies. We also extend our thanks to Natchez Bank Association, Smith Printing Co., Jody Rutter, Stine Lumber Co., Live Oak Nursery and Landscapes and Mark DeVrient Construction.

I would like to say a special thank you to my volunteers Shelia and Rick Byers and their daughter, Misty, who drove from Brookhaven to help me several times.

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. 24-26 and Dec. 31. We invite everyone to take time out from your busy holiday schedule to visit Historic Jefferson College and see the trees.

Kay McNeil is a historian at Historic Jefferson College.