Come experience the ambience of a late 1850s and early 1860s style Christmas at Rose Hill, former home of Gov. William Henry Gist and his family. In the mid-19th century, Christmas was a more low-key affair, centered upon spending time with family, a better-than-usual meal, church observance and small gifts exchanged. Decorating was done with evergreens and holly to spruce up the house and lend a festive air to the dreary winter. Interpreters will lead guided walks through the mansion. The year, the decorations will focus on Christmas celebrations through the years of the Civil War and how the war might have affected the Gist family. Refreshments—including some from recipes of the mid-1800s—will be available during and after the program in the original kitchen located behind the house.Tours will begin each day at 1 pm and run on the half hour through 4 pm. On Sunday from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. there will be a special appearance by "Father Christmas"