by Tom Henihan
McLennan’s Heritage House, “Christmas in November” was a picture perfect event: Fresh snow, a seasonal white cross on the door of St. Paul’s Church and Christmas music issuing softly from bell tower. Inside the Heritage House, the atmosphere was no less seasonal and extremely festive.
Complete with Christmas tree, handmade decorations and resident Santa Claus, the atmosphere in the restored Heritage House was evocative of a 1930’s traditional Christmas. The tea, coffee and hot chocolate along with Christmas cookies and a wide variety of yule log baked goods, made the traditional Christmas experience deliciously real.
The kids, and there were quite a lot of them, were certainly responsive to the Christmas festivities, playing about or spending time making crafts in a room off the living room. They were a little wary of Santa at first but eventually decided he was approachable and warmed to him, giving him gifts, an opportunity to admire their craftwork and, of course, shared a word or two about what they would like for Christmas.
And they certainly did not leave empty handed as they received gift bags while at the event.
This is the first year that Heritage House held the “Christmas in November” event. However, it was such a success as a unique, fun Christmas celebration, and as a fundraiser with over sixty people attending, the plan is to make it an annual event.
