Macoupin County Historical Society celebrates the season with “Ye Olde Christmas”

Ye Olde Christmas is the theme of the Macoupin County Historical Society’s annual Christmas Show set for Friday-Sunday, Dec. 5-7, at the John C. Anderson Home and Museum, 920 West Breckenridge, Carlinville.
“The Christmas Show is one of the most magical times to visit the Anderson Home,” said MCHS Board Member and House Manager Brandy England. “Some families make it an annual Christmas tradition to visit the Anderson Home when it is decorated for Christmas. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit and pick up some ideas for decorating your own home for the holidays.”
MCHS member Kendra Mize, Bunker Hill, who has coordinated the decorating effort for more than two decades, has again marshalled a small army of volunteers to decorate all 13 rooms of the home. Each room features a themed Christmas tree, along with mantle pieces, centerpieces, table top decor, garlands and florals, and other special touches.
The home will be open for self-guided tours from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7.
“We’re very excited to offer for the first time candlelight tours from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday,” said Shawna Ashby, who serves as a co-manager with England. “Viewing the decorated home by candlelight promises to be a magical experience.”
The final candlelight tours on Friday and Saturday start at 7:30 p.m. Admission to the home is $5 for adults and $1 for children ages five to 12. Children who are four years old and younger are admitted free of charge. The Anderson Home Gift Shop will be open during tour hours, offering one-of-a-kind gift items and stocking stuffers.
Santa Claus will be on hand in the downstairs parlor to greet children and listen to their Christmas wishes from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. While the decorated home is the centerpiece of the Christmas Show, several other features on the Historical Society’s grounds will be open.
The Red Barn will be open and serving hearty beef stew, chili, homemade pies, and warming holiday beverages such as wassail and hot chocolate on Friday and Saturday.
The General Store and Print Shop will be decorated and open to the public.
The Print Shop will have its popular handmade Christmas cards available for
purchase, along with other items produced in the shop. Kids can print their own
blank “Santa List” to keep track of their Christmas wishes.
“The General Store offers unique gift items, including some small antiques, for shoppers to peruse,” England noted.
Local blacksmiths will demonstrate their craft in the MCHS Blacksmith
Shop located on the north side of the Historical Society Grounds. Wrought iron gift items, including stocking hooks and decorative items, will be available for purchase.
The Macoupin County Historical Society’s Christmas Show runs concurrently with the Carlinville Christmas Market and Downtown Christmas events. A free trolley and shuttle buses include the Anderson Home as a regular stop during the festivals, enabling visitors to ride from the square or the Macoupin County Fairgrounds to the Historical Society grounds.