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TAHLEQUAH, OK - The Cherokee Heritage Center invites the public to attend A Turn of the Century Christmas, Saturday, December 9, 2000 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The festivities center around Adams Corner Rural Village, a 1890s Cherokee community.

In the 1800s in the South, Christmas was observed with the shooting of guns and firecrackers and a good deal of cheering and celebration. The Cherokees adopted this form of celebration, and brought it with them to Indian Territory after the Trail of Tears. The Cherokee word for Christmas is Dah nee s tah yo hee huh or "When they fire off firecrackers." Their word for Santa Claus is Dee s tah yo hee or "He fires off firecrackers." Santa Claus will be at the Center shooting off firecrackers and will be available for photos with the kids.

Principal Chief Chad Smith will light the Christmas Tree for Nature in Adams Rural Village at 5 p.m. The tree will be decorated with all things natural for the wildlife. Re-enactors will be dressed in turn of the century clothing throughout Adams Corner Rural Village. The children will enjoy a hay ride to the Murrell Home. Several Cherokee artists and crafts people will be throughout the Center making and selling their wares including baskets, dolls, quilts, and handmade ornaments.

The First Indian Baptist Church and The Elm Tree Baptist Church will sing Christmas Carols throughout the evening. Christmas refreshments will be served. The Museum Shop offers authentic Cherokee gifts. Admission will be free to the Center from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to come see the exhibit Deferring To Our Elders, before it closes December 30, 2000 to make way for the new Trail of Tears Exhibit. For more information, contact the Heritage Center, phone: (918) 456-6007 or toll free (888) 999-6007.