Christmas History Activities
Christmastime is a season of wonder and giving, a time to share life's joy with family and friends. Finding a Christmas activity the whole family will enjoy is a matter of importance. Re-enactments like a community nativity scene are traditional Christmas history activities. In addition to attending the usual Christmas events, try an old-fashioned Christmas history event. Step back in time to witness what life was like in an American village hundreds of years ago.
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Nativity Scenes
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One historical Christmas activity is a nativity scene, a recreation of the birth of baby Jesus in a manger. People re-enact this famous Christmas event each December in communities and churches throughout the world. Some communities display a live nativity scene. Amateur actors don period costumes to represent the Three Wise Men, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Authentic scenery, live animals and soft music complete the peaceful atmosphere of this holy event.
Candlelight Stroll
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Throughout the month of December in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a magical event happens. The Portsmouth Vintage Christmas allows guests a look into the past, going back 350 years to a traditional village. The signature event of this Christmas activity is the Candlelight Stroll, which includes historic houses built four centuries ago decorated in vintage Christmas style. Hundreds of candles dot the landscape and roads, illuminating the walkway through the village. Crafts for children like gingerbread house contests and live music entertain guests.
Christmas Parade
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An old-fashioned Christmas parade takes place in Lawrence, Kansas on the first Saturday in December. This Christmas history activity involves horse-drawn carriages, buggies, wagons and sleighs. Participants decorate their vehicles in Christmas greenery and dress their horses in festive blankets with jingle bells. The parade route travels down Massachusetts Street from Seventh Street and finishes on 13th Street in a procession showing off historical carriages and replica wagons. The pinnacle of the parade is Santa Claus' arrival in his horse-drawn sleigh.
St. Charles Christmas
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In St. Charles, Missouri, hundreds of Christmas lights set the historic South Main Street aglow. During the holiday shopping season in November and December, this Missouri town channels Christmas past. Victoria carolers stroll down the street carrying wooden lanterns and singing traditional Christmas songs. An assortment of legendary international Christmas characters walk along the street in realistic costumes, including a Victorian Santa, St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, Mrs. Claus and Santa Lucia.
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References
- Photo Credit nativity image by Simon Amberly from Fotolia.com
