Christmas in North Carolina has been celebrated in a variety of ways depending on the times and the culture of the community. The December 2005 issue of Our State, a magazine written about all things North Carolina, contains many articles about the festivities celebrated in different parts of the state. In “Festival of Lights,” Elizabeth Biro writes about a small group of people who decorate the Methodist church, the last few houses, and the remaining graveyards on Portsmouth Island, a now uninhabited community on the Outer Banks. Arriving by boat--the only way to access the island--the descendents of the “Banks People” dress their past familial homes and church in wreaths and other greenery, decking the now silent halls that manage not to look as abandoned as they are.

            The Celtic traditions of Mecklenburg County are highlighted in Diane Silcox-Jarrett’s article aptly entitled, “The Celtic Traditions,” which feature the annual holiday celebrations of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church. Though these festivities are only a few years old, it promises to become a time-honored event as families of Celtic heritage and names such as Alexander and Davidson celebrate their Scotch-Irish roots.

            For the retro buffs who enjoy a bit of nostalgia with their Christmas, there is an article on a one-of-a-kind seasonal museum located in western North Carolina. In “Tin Type,” Eden Foster writes about those sparkling tinsel trees of yesteryear and unusual ornaments that are especially appealing to fans of Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and the U.S.S. Enterprise of Star Trek fame. Stephen Jackson, founder, owner and curator of this special museum admits to having a “skewed” sense of humor, however, his collection of shiny trees has grown to over 100 and have been exhibited in Asheville, Brevard, Hendersonville, and Nashville, Tennessee. Currently the exhibit is on display at the Smith-McDowell House Museum in Asheville through January 16.

            Joanne Young’s “A Candlelight Christmas at Tryon Palace” tells a bit of history of Governor Tryon’s palace in New Bern and features beautiful photographs of the palace decorated for the season in the style of that period.  Greenery and fruits used in garlands wind their way up the columns at the front entrance and trail the door facings throughout the palace.  Recipes for holiday pastries and cookies can be found in “A Candlelight Christmas” along with menu items used for a traditional holiday meal.

             Area residents, as well as members of the ECU community are welcome to use the North Carolina Collection, located on the third floor of the Joyner Library.  For more information, call 252-328-6601 or visit our website at www.ecu.edu/cs-lib/ncc/index.cfm.
 

            Susan Butler is a staff member of the Verona Joyner Langford North Carolina Collection.