A self-described Christmas enthusiast, Nebraska Hall of Fame author Bess Streeter Aldrich wrote many Christmas short stories. In fact, she put together a collection of those stories entitled Journey Into Christmas. For the past 20 years, the Bess Streeter Aldrich House, a beautiful 1922 prairie mansion (located at 204 East F Street, Elmwood, Nebraska,) has embraced Mrs. Aldrich’s love of Christmas and hosted a Journey Into Christmas event.

Like past years, individuals and civic groups decorated every room with trees and theme-related decorations. This year, decorators have been asked to incorporate decorations related to the state of Nebraska, an ongoing theme in Mrs. Aldrich’ book Spring Came on Forever (the Foundation’s featured book this year.) A few of the ideas that will be used in decorating the 13 trees on display in the 3,400 square foot house include the state capitol, agriculture, Nebraska products, a Nebraska’s author brunch, Arbor Day, the prairie, and one-room schools.

The Aldrich House will be open on weekends through Sunday, December 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. Other tour times are available by appointment if you contact the director Kurk Shrader at 402-867-4233. Accommodations have been made for social distancing, and masks are required. Admission is $5.