02 Dec Make Memories and Holiday Traditions at Muskogee Public Library in December

Growing up with parents who were small business owners, life was busy and hectic. My favorite type of year though was the holiday season from Thanksgiving until the end of December. For my family, the holidays emphasized the importance of family and traditions. While I may not remember every detail, the love of family and friends stands out. I remember our traditions of putting our tree up on Thanksgiving, watching holiday classics such as “Prancer” and “The Muppets Christmas Carol,” or the year my Florida family chased a winter storm north just so we could go sledding and throw snowballs. As an adult, these memories continue to bring me warmth and joy.
What do holiday traditions mean to you? Do you celebrate Hannakuah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice, or Christmas? Do you visit the Christmas Lights at Honor Heights Park, ride the Holiday Train at the Depot Green, or drive through and enjoy all of the fun inflatables at the Castle? All three of these choices are wonderful Muskogee traditions and this year the Muskogee Public Library wants to be a part of your holiday season too.
This year at Honor Heights Park Arboretum as part of the StoryWalk, the library will be displaying “Pick a Pine” written by Patricia Toht. This story will stay in the park from Nov. 21 till the beginning of January as a family-friendly way to celebrate the holiday season.
Early in the month of December, the library will be hosting two different events: Historic Postcards for Christmas on Tuesday, Dec. 3 and Letters to Santa on Monday, Dec. 2—both from 4-5 p.m. During these events at the Muskogee Public Library, spread some holiday cheer by sending a special historic postcard to a loved one, a veteran, or even Santa Claus himself!
Love to craft and want to make homemade gifts, or just need an afternoon for relaxing? Join the library for Folded Book Trees on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 4-6 p.m., reservations are required. Go to eols.librarycalendar.com/event to reserve your spot. During this program we will be turning old books into a decorative tree. Books and decorations will be provided, feel free to bring accessories to match your decor.
Need a quiet sanctuary to wrap gifts? Join us for our Holiday Wrapping Station. Bring gifts and paper from home, and we will provide large tables with tape and scissors handy to make your holidays a little easier. This program will be offered on Thursdays, dates include the Dec. 5, 12, and 19 from 4-6 p.m. No reservation required.
Spend a night out with family or friends at the Muskogee Public Library’s Holiday Sip & Stroll 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19. Sip on hot chocolate and cast your votes on our staff’s holiday decoration contest. Create crafts, play games, and celebrate the season.
Whether you participate in any of the festive programs or activities the library will be offering this year, or just stop by to check out holiday movies or a cozy winter read. We hope that you will remember the Muskogee Public Library as a place that can help you create those special holiday memories!
Jennifer Fuller is the children’s librarian at Muskogee Public Library, a branch of the Eastern Oklahoma Library System.