A Civil War Christmas program

The annual Civil War Christmas program will return to Honey Springs Battlefield and Visitor Center near Checotah on Saturday, December 9, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The family-friendly event will include Christmas crafts, refreshments, and Civil War reenactors dressed in period attire.

Children are encouraged to bring their wish lists to the newly expanded visitor center, where they can sit, talk, and take a photograph with Santa. The program is free to the public, but donations are welcome.

Soldiers celebrated Christmas in camp during the Civil War in many ways, including decorating trees in their campsites, singing Christmas carols, and giving gifts. Although Christmas was celebrated during the Civil War by both the North and South, it was not officially designated a federal holiday until 1870. President Ulysses S. Grant designated Christmas as an official holiday after the Civil War in an attempt to reunite the still fractured country.

For more information call 918-617-7125 or email honeysprings@history.ok.gov. Honey Springs Battlefield is located east of US Highway 69 between Oktaha and Rentiesville. The Visitor Center is located on a hill near the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame in Rentiesville. Take the second left after reaching the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame Museum (driving from the west).