Christmas Reflections Coming Soon to the German American Museum

Be the reason future generations know what mattered in Decorah. Fund Decorah News today. ST. LUCAS, Iowa — The traditional Christmas Reflections Open House will be held Sunday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the German American Museum, Library and Family History Center in St. Lucas. The Christmas Reflections meal will be served in the museum's dining room, decorated for the Christmas season. This year's meal includes three favorites: chicken noodle soup; harvest squash with sausage and rice; and hearty chili. The meal also features Black Forest ham and turkey salad sandwiches. Desserts include traditional Christmas cookies with hot apple cider, plus bottled water, coffee and an adult refreshment. "You will be delighted with the meal and enjoy the many acquaintances and friends," said Kathryn Kuennen, who makes traditional Christmas cookies. Suggested donation is $15 for adults and $5 for children. Christmas Reflections also includes a bake sale featuring pies, bars, Christmas cookies, breads and other items. The event is supported by the Melissa Lea Reicks Foundation of Lawler, Iowa, and 1891 Financial Life (formerly the National Catholic Society of Foresters), St. Lucia Court 233 of St. Lucas. Organizers expressed thanks to the dozens of volunteers who provided cookies and other baked goods. Proceeds will support cataloging of the museum collections. Visitors can explore what's new at the museum, including an extensive Hummel collection, a century-old German zither, a century-old Ojibwe beaded handbag, Ho-Chunk woven basswood and reed baskets, multiple Christmas displays, new display cases featuring family exhibits, and recent Czech and Native American artifacts. "We are happy to note that the museum cataloging project got off to a successful start this past summer and will continue for several summers. The high school and college students did a great job cataloging hundreds of German and American history books. We are also thankful to the Iowa DOT for the new highway signage that helps visitors reach the museum from states like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Nebraska and Kansas," said Clair Blong. "We now have a very handsome and beautiful building," added Mel Bodensteiner, who frequently gives tours to out-of-state guests. A traditional St. Nicholas will greet children in the museum and share a holiday gift bag with each child. "The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas," said Janet Bodensteiner. "Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children and his concern for sailors and ships." Treat yourself, your children and your grandchildren to a visit exploring the museum's three levels and experience the spirit of Christmas. Unlock a world of knowledge! Sign up for free DecorahNews.com newsletters and receive local news, local events and everything that is happening in and around Decorah.