If you've ever wondered what Christmas was like centuries ago, Fort Massac State Park is about to give you a the opportunity to see, in more ways than one.

In one week, an Olde Tyme Christmas returns to one of the state's most historic landmarks, located in Metropolis.

Park Site Supervisor Terry Johnson said the event started about 15 years ago as the brainchild of park supporter Kitty Odom.

"Really, it was the thought of bringing an 'old time' Christmas to Massac County, something that was different than anybody else was doing," Johnson said.

At the time, the Visitors Center was a little more rustic, and Johnson and other supporters put up what they thought were period decorations.

"It really wasn't, but it was very simple," he said.

However, the initial idea stuck and has expanded to something much bigger. The park will be decked out for the holidays by Fort Massac staff, Friends of Fort Massac volunteers, members of the Metropolis Garden Club and local Girl Scouts.

The public will get a historical perspective of the holidays inside the fort, which showcases Christmas traditions during the French and English colonial periods, the early 1800s and the Civil War in the barracks and various other areas of the fort.

Re-enactors will be on hand to give detailed explanations of the significance behind certain decorations and how holiday customs developed. Historical music will also be featured, and, of course, there will be food.

Included will be spiced ciders and teas, as well as cookies and other treats that will be cooked in an authentic period bake oven.

Sharon Burris of the Friends of Fort Massac said it was difficult to say which part of the Old Tyme Christmas is her favorite. She likes to drink the hot cider and listen to the musicians play old hymns.

"The decorations are so simple and so well done," she said, "And then people are just so calm; it's just a relaxing, nice afternoon. You see a lot of your friends, you see the people you went to church with that morning. You see just a variety of people coming and going and everybody being very polite.

"No pressure, no commercialization, nothing that seems to be so much of a 'normal' part of Christmas," Burris said.

With the recent closure of 11 parks as a result of the state's budget problems, events like this are a reminder of what communities could lose.

"I always think it's important to show what these areas are to the State of Illinois," Johnson said. "We promote tourism, we give those who cannot afford any other recreation a place to go, free of charge."

Metropolis Tourism Director Angie Shelton said that is particularly important in these tough economic times for families.

"They can come, bring their kids, and feel good," she said.

brent.stewart@thesouthern.com / 351-5074

THE EVENT

What: An Old Tyme Christmas

When: 1- 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14

Where: Fort Massac State Park, 1308 E. Fifth St., Metropolis

Cost: Free

For more information: Call Fort Massac State Park at 524-9321 or Metropolis Tourism at (877) 424-5025.