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Christmas at Old Sturbridge Village: A Virtual Photo Tour

By Kim Knox Beckius, About.com

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Holiday Traditions: Yule Log and Stockings

Stocking and Yule Log at Old Sturbridge

Inside The Parsonage, visitors learn about the yule log and the tradition of hanging stockings.

© 2004 Kim Knox Beckius
Early New Englanders didn't celebrate Christmas, but at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, holiday season visitors have an opportunity to learn about when Christmas did arrive in the region and to explore mid-19th-century holiday traditions.

Inside the Parsonage, for example, guests learn about the three-candle Yule log and about how the tradition of hanging stockings by the chimney evolved from the Dutch tradition of leaving shoes by the fireplace for St. Nicholas to fill. My friend, Jessica, and I visited Old Sturbridge Village during an evening "Christmas Traditions by Candlelight" program in December of 2004. Join us on this photo tour as we explore Old Sturbridge Village decorated for the holiday season. We'll learn about other early Christmas customs and maybe even run into Father Christmas.

For information on this year's holiday season events at Old Sturbridge Village, visit the attraction's Web site or call toll free, 800-SEE-1830.

Kim Knox Beckius
Guide since 1998

Kim Knox Beckius
New England Travel Guide

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