Featured image by jill111, courtesy pixabay

Ever wondered what celebrating the holidays would be like if you lived in a fort in the 1840s? Now you can find out at Christmas at the Fort on Saturday, December 8, in Vancouver, Washington.

In those days, Christmas was only one of the few days the Hudson’s Bay Company would allow its employees to take off at Fort Vancouver. Families and friends would gather to fish or hunt, followed by celebrating with a feast, music, and dancing.

On Saturday, December 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. costumed interpreters will be stationed throughout the fort at the the Fort Vancouver National Historic site, where they will share stories and answer questions about the history behind the early holiday celebrations there.

Enjoy caroling from the Madrigal Singers and sip a cup of wassail (hot mulled cider). Play games, dance, and try your hand at making Victorian crafts, such as wooden toy tops, wreaths, and potpourri ornaments. All materials are provided.

While you’re there, stop at the Visitor Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for A Celebration of Birds. Kids can build their own bird feeder, and you can create paper birds to decorate the tree in the Visitor Center’s lobby. The Portland Paper Shapers will be on hand to help with the ornaments. And the gift shop is open for holiday shopping.

For more information and directions, visit the Fort Vancouver website.