Christmas at the Flagler Museum

Christmas tree in Whitehall, the Flagler Museum

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As if it were 1902, the 16-foot Christmas tree stands tall in the Flagler Museum with all the historically accurate trimmings. Among the paper angels and miniature American flags, I spy something rather unusual: Spanish moss. The epiphyte, which grows on trees throughout Florida, drapes the fir tree’s branches. Its silvery strands add a surprisingly festive, old-fashioned touch. Hanging alongside the Spanish moss are boxes of animal crackers, complete with the Barnum and Bailey circus logo and little string handles. Flagler gave the cookies to children at Christmas time and the museum continues the tradition at the annual tree lighting ceremony. Before leaving the museum, I stopped at the gift shop to buy reproductions of the vintage ornaments — the perfect addition to my Christmas collection.

Tags: Christmas tree | Flagler Museum | Palm Beach