For me, the holiday season is made up of a series of magical moments. Festive lights and displays, traditions, the smell of cookies baking, and the beaming excitement from kiddos everywhere you turn. This time of year is usually quite busy at the museum with holiday activities and concerts and of course our celebration of The Christmas Tree.  Although we have had to do things a little differently, the Museum is still full of holiday cheer.

We kicked off our month of events with our first live-recorded concert for our patrons to enjoy at home. Mary Kennedy and friends entertained viewers with holiday music played on her fiddle, to the tune of Irish tradition.  If you missed the concert, or would like to enjoy it again, you can find it on YouTube.

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In lieu of our usual in-person holiday art workshops, we collaborated with local artist Linda Fraser to put together take home craft kits for all ages. Clay ornaments, painted snowmen and angels, and the cutest gnomes are adorning our visitor’s homes as these kits are available to be collected from the museum to enjoy at home. Linda also put together a special mindfulness bracelet for our L&A Kids Who Care project this month. We were so happy to have provided over 200 free art kits to those within our community and that a little piece of the Museum can still be part of your holiday tradition this year.

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If you have not been following along with our Falalala LAMA staff holiday challenges you can find them on our Facebook page. So far, we have had a tree decorating challenge, learned how to cross stitch and this week will be working off a traditional recipe from an archival record to make a holiday treat.  Local dessert connoisseur, Ellena, will be joining us to taste test and choose a winner. Next week you can watch as we are challenged to make an evergreen centerpiece with the help of Napanee Blooms.

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Even before working here at the Museum, The Christmas Tree was a special part of my family’s holiday tradition. This year, we have nine groups who have decorated their trees, bringing a festive spirit to our space. Groups had to decorate their trees within the theme “At Home for the Holidays” but incorporate their groups message into their décor.

The results are amazing! Thank you to The John M. Parrott Centre, Autism Network LAC, Autism Resources Lennox and Addington, Kingston Literacy and Skills, County of Lennox & Addington Libraries, Napanee and District Rod & Gun Club, Napanee Community Kitten Rescue, Napanee Crunch Girls Hockey Association and the Napanee, Newburgh & Deseronto Girl Guides for your participation this year.  You can book a tour through our website.

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The trees will be on display until December 30. If you are not able to get to the Museum, you will be able to see the trees and hear the organizations stories through our Facebook page. A different tree will be highlighted each day. You can vote for your favorite tree in person or online.