The Grinch said that maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store; that Christmas means, perhaps, a little bit more.

The ol’ Grinch must have been thinking about Ole Time Christmas at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama when he spoke those words. There are a few places where Christmas comes without the trappings of the commercial world – places where Christmas come quietly, like a lullaby. Ole Time Christmas is one of the special places.

Tonight and Saturday from 6 until 8:30 p.m. the Pioneer Museum of Alabama will host its annual Christmas event.

The “halls” have been decked with the offerings of Mother Nature – cedar, pine, holly, magnolia leaves, cones and sweetgum balls. The Christmas trees have been decorated with handmade ornaments. Lights trim the cabins, the covered bridge and even the old steam locomotive.

It’s Christmastime at the Pioneer Museum. Kelly Ormond, program and education director at the museum, said two wonderful nights have been planned with something for all ages.

“Several of the cabins will be open for visitors,” Ormond said. “We’ll have hot chocolate in the Demonstration Cabin and, those who would like, may roast marshmallows over an open fire. In the Reunion Cabin, we’ll have fire going in the fireplace, hot apple cider in the pot and stories being told around the Christmas tree.”

The word from the North Pole is that Santa Claus will make a special visit to the museum so all little boys and girls are invited to come and make their Christmas wishes known to him.

“Kids can make a Christmas craft to take home as a souvenir of Ole Time Christmas or to give as a Christmas gift to someone special,”

Ormond said. “We’ll have other activities for the kids that adults will enjoy as well.”

The Rev. Ed Shirley will be leading Christmas music in the Log Church and the walk across the covered bridge to the church will be a short journey back in time.

“Singing Christmas carols in an old log church is as ‘ole time’ as Christmas can be,” Ormond said. “We hope everyone will step back in the time and join Rev. Shirley in the singing of Christmas songs.”

The museum gift shop will be open with a large selection of unique Christmas gifts for all ages.

“We invite everyone to leave the hustle and bustle behind this weekend and join us for a Ole Time Christmas at the Pioneer Museum of Alabama,” Ormond said.

Admission to Ole Time Christmas is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $8 for students. Children ages five and under are admitted free.

Admission is free for museum members.

Those who bring canned item for a local food pantry will get a dollar off the admission price. One can per person.