Deck the Halls, Oklahoma History Center

The Oklahoma History Center will host its third annual Deck the Halls, a program that focuses on traditional gift bringers from around the world, on Saturday, December 3, from 1 to 4 pm. The event is free with admission to the museum. This family friendly activity will include an opportunity to meet and take photos with a variety of gift bringers from around the world. Visitors will be making Christmas cards to send to soldiers unable to be home for the holidays. Also, all participants will be able to decorate Christmas tree ornaments in their own style.

The Santas of the World Tour began in 2005 as a program for the Oklahoma Historical Society. It consisted of seven individuals who researched stories about gift-bringers from around the world. The group now includes more than thirty individuals who participate in these events. Some of the Santas represented are: Mr. and Mrs. Sinterklaas (Netherlands, 1808), LaBefana (Italy, 1600s), Baboushka (Russia, pre-1917), Père Noël and his daughter Ophélia (France, 1500s), Star Man and his wife (Ireland, 1700s), the Wallace Tartan Santa (Scotland, 1840s), Black Peter (Holland, 1500s), Julnisse (Denmark and Norway, 1600s), Civil War Santa (USA, 1860s), St. Nicholas (Europe and Holland, 400-1100s), Jultomten (Sweden, 1500s), Christkindle (Central Europe, 1900), Pelsnickel (Middle American Colonies, 1700s), New York Santa and his wife (New York, 1870s), Ded Moroz and his granddaughter (USSR, 1900s), gift bringers from Mexico and Central America, the Ice Queen from Iceland, and the Watcher of the Woods from Siberia.

In addition to the family fun and activities, the Museum Store will offer a 10 percent discount to all attendees. OHS members will receive a 25 percent discount. For more information on this event, call the Oklahoma History Center at 405-522-0765 or email education@okhistory.org.