From the reindeer of Rudolph to the leg lamp of “A Christmas Story,” from Marley’s clanging chains to Clarence’s tinkling bell, from a manger in Bethlehem to a church in New York City, from angels to elves, the symbols of Christmas fill our heads and hearts. And, starting Nov. 26, the “Symbols of Christmas” will fill the Seiberling Mansion.

“This year, our decorators are celebrating the holidays with all the traditions that we treasure,” said Judy Brown, co-chair of the committee in charge of the annual decorating effort. “We have a lot of new decorators this year and it will be exciting to see how they use our theme, ‘A Symbolic Christmas.’” Co-chair Angela Washington said the decorators worked hard for two weeks in November, transforming the Seiberling to dazzle visitors throughout the next month.

Festivities will kick off with Santa’s arrival at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, and the annual lighting ceremony once again sponsored by Wyman Group. Admission for opening night and the Candlelight Tour is $10 per person; for all other “Christmas at the Seiberling” evenings, tickets are free. Tickets can be reserved on the HCHS website: https://howardcountymuseum.org/programs/christmas-at-the-seiberling.

Whenever you come, don’t forget to vote for your favorite decorated room with donations to support the historical society. Each room will have a jar for registering your vote with a donation.

As is custom, charitable sponsors, including Community First Bank, Financial Builders, Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo, Holiday Inn Express, and First Farmers Bank & Trust have made possible free admission to six December nights of Christmas at the Seiberling (Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16, from 4 to 8 p.m.). Duke Energy is underwriting the Candlelight Tour Dec. 17 (tickets are $10 each). 

Musical groups will provide entertainment on opening night and several Sundays.

Visitors are also welcome during regular hours, 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with regular admission.