The St. Croix Landmarks Society opened its doors to the public Wednesday night for its annual Old-Time Crucian Christmas and Open House at Estate Whim Museum.
The third annual Old-Time Crucian Christmas and Open House gave families, children and elders the history behind Crucian Christmas rituals. The open house allowed the public to view the museum grounds garlanded in Christmas lights along with the local Christmas tree and local handmade decoration within the exhibit halls.
Sonia Jacobs Dow, St. Croix Landmarks Society executive director, said the annual event brings out many volunteers and the St. Croix community.
“It’s a really good time to bring out the family,” Dow said.
After having an annual Christmas party in 2011, Dow along with Water and Power Authority spokeswoman Cassandra Dunn, felt extending the event to the public would be a great idea. Dow said it gave the community an insight on local Christmas traditions on St. Croix.
The museum grounds were filled with LED Christmas lights donated by Home Depot and, inside the Great Hall, the 12-foot Inkberry Tree – a traditional Crucian Christmas tree – shimmered with colorful lights covered with handmade ornaments. A small traditional Christmas tree was also on display along with live plants, wreaths and candles. The museum store was selling historical books and trinkets.
Theodora Hendricks attended the event with her granddaughter. She said it was her first time attending the event, but it won’t be the last time. “The inkberry tree brought back a lot of memories,” Hendricks said.
She said her mother used the seed within the berry to dye clothing. She reminisced about helping her mother make guavaberry tarts and ornaments from soda cans on Christmas day.
Dow said the event will continue Thursday through Saturday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Throughout the week the community can look forward to choir groups and holiday treats, which include sweet bread, homemade candy, guavaberry, tarts and coquito.
