Santa poised to surprise needy eating free Thanksgiving Breakfast in Clockers Cafe.
BRANSON, Mo., November 22, 2012 — The celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas in Branson runs from November 1 to December 31, but to many, the millions of sparkling Christmas lights just seem to glow a little brighter and the spirit of Christmas seems to grow almost exponentially each day between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The result, although not definable in pure objective terms, is that America’s largest celebration of the traditional Christmas, Ozark Mountain Christmas, with its shows, drive through lighting displays, Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas and all the special activities associated with it becomes even more unique and special.
From a child’s perspective, it could be because the chances to see Santa Claus increase drastically. Why just this morning as this writer was walking through Historic Downtown Branson he talked with Santa in front of Clockers Café as he was poised to surprise some of the anticipated 600 people receiving a free Thanksgiving breakfast courtesy of Clockers owners Allen and Karen Theane and the many volunteers who served it. Santa pointed out that he is going to be pretty busy between now and Christmas and looks forward to greeting Branson’s boys and girls at area stores, Branson Landing by the big Christmas Tree, Bass Pro-Shops Winter Wonderland and other special events.
Starting this weekend, Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction will be sharing the magic and beauty of its “Fantasy Princess” as she brings “new Holiday Magic to Branson” every Wednesday through Sunday until December 30. Her appearance is part of the annual ‘Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland” featuring Edwardian-style decorations, thousands of holiday lights, one of the most unique gift shops in Branson with many one-of-a-kind items and “costumed merry-makers” that passengers on the ship will meet and interact with while on their “voyage.”
Every year, one can feel the Christmas spirit fill the air as the first Sunday in December approaches, December 2 this year, and an event that has been part of Branson’s heritage for 64 years, The Adoration Parade and Nativity scene lighting takes place in Historic downtown Branson. The parade has dozens of bands, floats and walking units participating in the parade, which is one of the few nighttime Christmas parades in the country and is unique because its sole purpose is to celebrate the very reason there is a Christmas by “Keeping Christ in Christmas.” This year the Adoration Parade will be preceded by a “Centennial Adoration Service” at 10:00 AM in the Branson Convention Center as the last event in Branson’s celebration of its Centennial.
Whatever the reason, the spirit of the traditional American Christmas that is an inherent part of Ozark Mountain Christmas just seems to grow and become more prevalent with each passing day. Perhaps, in the final analysis that’s the answer, as each day brings us closer to the real reason for the season and the spirit involved with the wonderful gift celebrated on Christmas Day; it’s only normal that the true spirit of Christmas would fill our hearts.