Kristen: Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village

For my birthday celebration this year, I asked my fiancee to do something a little different. Usually we go out to a nice dinner or see a movie. Instead, we visited Greenfield Village! This was a first for both of us, and we met up with other members of the 21st Michigan for the ultimate tour!

Ken Giorlando knows Greenfield Village better than most...when we first entered the village, we went in the opposite direction of the massive crowd. As a result, we experienced a calm, wait-free look into Christmas celebrations throughout many centuries! I took pictures of the presenters, since their clothing always catches my eye! Their words bring to life those past eras that reenactors so love!

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in all of the houses, though I kept finding little articles that I wanted to add to my reenactor stash! My poor fiancee...by the end of the night, most of the women were asking if he could buy them things too!

 Pretty chintz curtains

 A metal stove near the fire with roasting meat

 Silhouette-making in the parlor 

 The tabletop mirror...

 Four poster bed

 Another tabletop mirror with drawers!

 I want a pattern for one of these

 Little sewing kit on the floor...

Dolls!

You may have already noticed an abundance of food in most of these pictures! My fiancee kept nudging me to look at the pies and cakes, and I nearly launched myself at a plate of cookies! We enjoyed several cups of hot chocolate, cider, and roasted chestnuts. I could not stop eating those chestnuts...I must have eaten an entire bag!

Did I mention the music? From nearly every house or fire sprang the gentle noises of holiday celebration! We hummed and sang along when we could, though we could not compete with such fine voices and instruments! (By the way, I have a TERRIBLE singing voice...)

Finally, nothing could top the Christmas trees! I was *green* with envy! I think I shall have to upgrade for next year. I like the idea of hanging presents and garland all over them!

It was a beautiful present, one that kept up the holiday spirit! I think this might be a family tradition for my fiancee and I. Is there a better way to celebrate both my birthday and Christmas?

~Kristen