Homestead Christmas In Doniphan Dec. 17

DONIPHAN — Before leaving the North Pole on Christmas eve, sources tell us that the jolly man in the bright, red suit will make a scheduled appearance at the Pioneer Heritage Homestead from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mrs. Claus will be joining him.

According to Ashley Thompson, who is coordinating the event, the famous couple will be only too happy to comply with anyone who would like to include them in a “selfie.”

While Santa and Mrs. Claus are greeting youngsters in the homestead cabin, the schoolhouse will also be open to guests.

Keith Whiteside will do a special reading of the classic Christmas story, “Polar Express,” written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg.

Golden tickets and bells will be handed out, courtesy of Allen Harper.

There will also be other readers doing short stories from the Little House On The Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, says Thompson.

“We don’t have a specific schedule, but at times we will also take a break from the stories and do some pioneer-inspired crafts with the kids. The idea is to just re-create simple Christmas activities that are reminiscent of pioneer times,” says Thompson.

Crafters will make ornaments and a bird feeder, she says.

Free hot cocoa will be served to knock the chill.

The event is being sponsored by the Doniphan Neighborhood Assistance Program, and made possible by donations from the community. Children of any age (and adults) are welcome.

Thompson says, “We hope the children who attend the Homestead Christmas activities will take time to go by the Toys 4 Tots giveaway, while they are in town, and then come back for the parade in the evening.”