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Titans keep losing as coach Brian Callahan tries to show some progressHunter’s Home, Oklahoma’s only remaining pre–Civil War plantation, is offering visitors a glimpse into 1800s holiday customs through its “Winter at Hunter’s Home: An 1850s Christmas Traditions” program. The event began this week and continues through Dec. 13, showcasing how the holidays were celebrated in a simpler time. “Christmas was the one day the workers here got the day off, and it was a big celebration,” said Jody Stamper, the historical interpreter at Hunter’s Home. “It was a moment of joy and connection, even amidst a challenging time.” The program features live demonstrations, authentic decorations, and hands-on activities, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in the past. Staff dressed in period attire recreate scenes from the 1800s, offering insight into the lives of the plantation’s residents, from the family who lived there to the enslaved workers who maintained its operations. Built in 1845, Hunter’s Home is a rare relic of Oklahoma’s antebellum period. Known through recent years as the George M. Murrell Home, it was constructed by George and Minerva Murrell, who moved from Tennessee during the Cherokee Removal. The Christmas program allows visitors to learn about traditional 19th-century Southern holiday customs. Decorations of the time included evergreen boughs, handmade garlands, and paper ornaments, simple yet elegant designs that reflect the resourcefulness of the time. “I love working here; there’s something new to learn every day,” said Alaina Spencer, an employee at Hunter’s Home. “It’s incredible to see visitors connect with the past, especially during the holidays, when traditions feel so personal.” For many attendees, the program’s focus on simplicity resonates with contemporary trends. Social media platforms like TikTok have popularized the idea of “slow holidays,” emphasizing homemade ornaments, baked goods, and DIY gifts. The trend mirrors a growing desire to escape the commercialization of the season and embrace meaningful, sustainable traditions. “It’s fascinating to see how people today are rediscovering things our ancestors did out of necessity,” Stamper said. “Homemade decorations, like dried oranges and hand-sewn stockings, weren’t just beautiful; they were practical and affordable.” The program also delves into the complexities of life at Hunter’s Home, particularly the experiences of the enslaved people who worked on the plantation. Employees aim to provide a full picture of the home’s history, emphasizing the resilience of those who found joy and community even in challenging circumstances. “Understanding the full story of this home is crucial,” Stamper said. “It’s a reminder that history is nuanced, and the holidays meant different things to different people here.” Visitors can participate in activities such as making ornaments and paper garlands, which help bring history to life. The interactive elements create a festive, engaging atmosphere for all ages. As the event continues, staff at Hunter’s Home hope visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the past and a renewed sense of the season’s spirit. “We want people to leave with a deeper understanding of the past and how it can inform our present,” Spencer said. “These traditions remind us that you don’t need a lot to make the holidays magical.” This holiday season, as families across the country bake from scratch and craft their own decorations, they may find themselves connected to the simpler traditions of yesteryear, traditions preserved and celebrated at Hunter’s Home. Check it out Hunter’s Home is open year-round, offering various programs exploring 19th-century life. For more information, visit the Oklahoma Historical Society’s website at okhistory.org .

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