Old-Fashioned Christmas at Historic Village Set for Dec. 6-7

WACO, Texas - Christmas in the late 19th century will be recreated Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7, at Baylor University's Gov. Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village. The annual holiday event will run from 3-9 p.m. both days.
"We wanted to make Christmas at the Village correspond with Christmas on the Brazos, and we wanted to add a nighttime program," said village curator Melinda Herzog. "This is our gift to the community."
An affair for the entire family, Christmas at the Village will feature decorations, crafts, music and holiday foods. Visitors can sample gingerbread and Gossip Bowl, a popular 19th century punch. The Victorian drink gets its name from the hot roasted apples that are floated in chilled apple cider. The apples emit a hissing steam as they bump around the bowl like "gossiping women."
Volunteers will teach guests to make paper stars. These three-dimensional decorations were particularly common in German communities from 1870-1910. A farrier also will demonstrate his craft in the blacksmith shop during the event.
Holiday music and hymns will be performed by Brazos Blues from 4-6 p.m. Saturday and by Cowboys at Heart from 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday. Additionally, students from the Baylor School of Music will perform instrumental music from 6-9 p.m. both days.
There is no admission charge for Christmas at the Village. For more information, contact Herzog at 710-1160.