Celebrate Christmas with Santa Claus and Santa Lucia at Appelo Archives Center

The Appelo Archives Center, at 1056 SR 4 in Naselle, will offer both Santa Claus from 2-3 p.m. for photos and a Santa Lucia Celebration from 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, December 14.

Santa has visited the center annually just before Christmas to visit with folks of all ages, and their families. Photos will be taken of him with children, their pets, and their families. A deluxe photo package will be available for $15 that includes 2 – 8”x10” photos, or 3 – 5”x7” photos, or 4 – 4”x6” photos. Santa will be downstairs seated on the Center’s historic “speeder” used as a rail car in Deep River in the early 1900’s.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a holiday bazaar will also be available for shopping at the center featuring gifts from local vendors. Table spots can be reserved for $5 each. Call (360) 484-7103 for more information and to reserve table space. The center will have a large assortment of books on local history available for sale at the bazaar.

The traditional Swedish celebration of Santa Lucia will begin at 3 p.m. Lucia was the eldest daughter at a time when Christians were persecuted. She dedicated herself to helping the poor and sick, bringing them food at night, hence the crown of candles to light her way. She refused to marry a pagan and was to be burned at the stake, but the pile of wood wouldn’t burn and miraculously she was lifted up to heaven. She was named a saint and her special day has been celebrated every December 13 in Scandinavia since about 900 AD. This is the darkest time of winter so her tradition of candle light has become a symbol of the return of light, faith and hope.

Children participate in the celebration carrying candles and stars to bring back the light. They gather around the tree and sing the Santa Lucia song and serve Lucia buns to family and friends. Carol Ervest’s 4th grade girls are baking and serving the buns. Children of all ages are encouraged to join the program. Norwegian Kayrene Gilbertsen, from Puget Island, has made the costumes and helped plan the event.

For more information contact the Appelo Archives Center at 360-484-7103 or info@appeloarchives.org. The center’s website is: http://www.appeloarchives.org.