Thanksgiving & Christmas Barnyard Readers

Saturdays from November 22 through December 20 at 9:30am

Different families and cultures have different holiday traditions. You and your preschooler can explore some of the many ways to celebrate fall and winter holidays. Hear stories from the 19th century, participate in hands-on activities, and visit a historic site that fits the stories.

Details

• Wednesdays, 9:30-11:00 a.m.
• Please arrive 5 minutes early so program can begin on time
• Location: Meet at the Visitor Center, 11121 Hickman
• Dress for weather—program occurs indoors and outdoors

Registration

• $34 for parent and child ($30 for members)
• $12 each additional child ($10 for members)
• Each ticket is for one session

Program Descriptions

Thanksgiving on the Farm ∙ November 22

• Check in: Murray Conference Center, 12234 Douglas
• Will visit: 1900 Farm

Lydia Maria Child published “Over the River and Through the Woods” in 1842. In the poem, she shares memories of going to her grandparents’ farm in the winter. We’ll use this poem to explore farm family traditions for celebrating and giving thanks for the harvest.

Keepunumuk ∙ November 29

• Check in: Murray Conference Center, 12234 Douglas
• Will visit: 1700 items brought to you at Conference Center

There’s more than one side to every story. Come hear a story of Keepunumuk, a time of harvest, a Wampanoag tale of the first Thanksgiving. Learn about the Three Sisters and how the Wampanoag people had a role in helping the first settlers make a home. Make a craft and learn more about the Three Sisters.

Irish Christmas Traditions ∙ December 6

• Check in: Cultivation Center, 11121 Hickman
• Will visit: Flynn Mansion

Martin and Ellen Flynn were born in Ireland and celebrated their Irish heritage. Travel to their Flynn Mansion, hear stories in the parlor, and see the house decorated for Christmas. Travel back to the Visitor Center to do Irish- and Christmas-themed crafts.

Norwegian Christmas Traditions ∙ December 13

• Check in: Cultivation Center, 11121 Hickman
• Will visit: Tangen Home

What stories did Norwegian families tell at the holidays? Travel to the Tangen Home to hear traditional stories in the parlor, then explore the house. Learn about polar bears, nisse (trolls), and Norwegian Christmas decorations. Travel back to the Visitor Center to do Norwegian- and Christmas- themed crafts.

Christmas on the Farm ∙ December 20

• Check in: Murray Conference Center, 12234 Douglas
• Will visit: 1900 Farm

“’Twas the night before Christmas …”

“A Visit from St. Nicholas,” written by Clement Moore as a gift for his children and first published in 1823, serves as the starting point for this program. Explore the history and traditions of the many holidays that fall at the end of December. Read stories in the parlor at the farmhouse, see the farm decorated for the holidays, and travel back to the Conference Center to do your crafts.