HISTORIC FELIX VALLE HOUSE TO HOLD CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

STE. GENEVIEVE Visitors to the Felix Valle House State Historical Site in Ste. Genevieve will be able to take part in a French Christmas celebration from the early 1800s on Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m.

The home, lit by candles and featuring a fire in the parlor fireplace, will be decorated with native greenery and decorations symbolic of early 19th century French customs.

Food in the dining room will recreate the traditional feast, la Reveillon, held after midnight mass on Christmas Eve, including 13 desserts, one for each disciple and the 13th for Christ. Visitors can sample the Christmas Yule log cake, known as the buche de Noel.

Traditional French Christmas music will be sung by Clare Condon throughout the celebration.

The Felix Valle House, built in 1818, represents the influence of American culture on a French colonial community. The building was used as a residence by Felix Valle and as the commercial headquarters for his fur and Indian trade firm.

For more information about the Christmas open house, call (314) 883-7102.