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Experience the Wonder of Christmas Past
by Scott Tidwell
Lifestyle Articles

Published on this site: November 23rd, 2010 - See
more articles from this month

Take a step back in time and discover the Christmas traditions
your grandparents cherished. In the Great Smoky Mountains, the
annual Festival of Christmas Past is the perfect way to share
fond memories with both the youngest and oldest members of your
family. Follow an easy walking trail through the woods behind
Sugarlands Visitor Center, where you'll have a chance to meet
residents of the era as they go about their day. Back at the
visitor center, you'll find demonstrations of Christmas crafts,
cooking, singing, and other holiday traditions sure to bring a
smile to everyone's face.
Characters in Period Clothing Make the Past Come Alive
The early settlers in East Tennessee spent much of their time at
home, in church, or in school, and Christmas was no exception. On
the Memories Walk you'll have a chance to meet the man of the
house as he hunts for Christmas dinner (no frozen turkey for this
family), observe his wife as she waits patiently at home,
decorating and singing carols, and visit with the schoolmarm and
the local preacher. Youngsters will be fascinated at the changes
in classrooms over the years, and they'll appreciate the
conveniences of modern life all the more after having experienced
life as a pioneer child.
Be sure to bring Grandma and Grandpa along for a trip down memory
lane, too. They'll love to share stories with the kids of how it
was when they were young, and the old-fashioned sights and sounds
will remind them of happy holidays spent with their own parents
and grandparents.
The Gifts of Christmas Past
In our modern world, Christmas sometimes feels like a race to
find this year's must-have toy and upgrade to the latest
electronic gadget. But when the flashing lights and game noises
become too much, it's nice to visit - even for a day - a simpler
time. Before laptops replaced writing slates, when an
after-church picnic was the biggest social event of the week, the
holiday season was a time for families and friends to gather
together to celebrate life and to cherish the small gifts family
members shared.
At the Festival of Christmas Past, you and your family will
discover the patience and skill required to craft traditional
gifts like woven baskets, quilts, and hand-spun wool. Watch as
talented artisans transform everyday objects into gorgeous and
useful works of art. You'll even have the opportunity to make
your own Christmas wreath to take with you as a reminder of a
special family gathering.
Just like today, Christmas a century ago was celebrated with a
variety of favorite foods. At Sugarlands Visitor Center, you'll
enjoy watching as the fall apple crop becomes creamy apple butter
and tart cider. After a walk in the brisk winter air, a steaming
mug of hot apple cider is the perfect way to top off your
afternoon at the Festival of Christmas Past.
This year, give the family a Christmas present they'll remember
forever. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains
while spending a restful day with characters from the past.

Scott Tidwell invites you to book cabins in Pigeon Forge,
Tennessee through Arrowhead Cabin Rentals. Visit
http://www.arrowheadpigeonforge.com for pricing and availability.


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