The beautiful blooms of spring, the laughter of summer and the amazing colors of fall fade away to winter. For some, it is a time of year to stay indoors and snug up by the fire with a good book. Not our family! We look forward to a Branson family Christmas. We can’t wait to get out our winter coats, sweaters, boots, hats and gloves. Watching the weather forecast to see if the “S” word is in our future…… SNOW!!! The lights of Silver Dollar City, the Christmas and New Year Eve shows on the entertainment strip are like going to Time Square in New York City. Everywhere you look there are lights and exciting things to do and see.
Hughes Brothers Christmas Show
There is no better way to enjoy the holidays than to see the Branson Christmas Shows. The Hughes Brothers Christmas Show takes you from the North Pole to Bethlehem. It is a traditional Christmas show that remind us of the true meaning of Christmas: That we have a savior who was born and experienced all of our struggles, fears and joys so he could empathize with us and his name is Jesus; that for all ages, Santa is real and represents childlike faith; and that NOW is a time for families to LOVE each other come together to share laughter and memories while reaching out for those who may be astray. Lena Hughes told the Branson Tourism Center that “Families just love our show because its great entertainment that connects to all ages throughout the whole show, while reminding them so much of their own family, as they sense how much our family loves each other and being together.” Alexis can’t wait for intermission. No, she doesn’t go to the concession stand, even though they have a lot of things she likes. She runs to one of the Hughes kids and buys 3 Pepparkakor cookies. During the show, they tell how their mom, Lena, makes them most amazing spice cookie and how it is not Christmas with out them. It is a cookie that they bake to honor their Swedish family history. To me, they taste like a gingerbread man cookie. No Branson vacation is without going to see the Hughes Brothers Christmas show. Make sure it is on your bucket list today.
Christmas in MidTown
Once we decide what is on our list of “things to do”, we pick our night to go to Silver Dollar City. The best part of staying with Lake Edge Property is the condo is right beside the park. We miss all the traffic. 2 turns and we are in the park. You can sit on the deck of the condo and hear the Christmas music coming from the park. You are in the Christmas spirit before you get there. The most amazing part of Silver Dollar City is the twinkling lights. Christmas in Midtown is a magical area of the park where every building is covered it lights. Get some hot chocolate and take your family thru this area. Don’t rush thru, soak it all in while enjoying each other during Christmas. Bring you camera!! You will want to capture every moment you are in the part of the park. I cant wait to go see A Dickens’ Christmas Carol
. The costumes, special effects and backdrops are fabulous. It is a captivating play with actors who could leave the park and make it big on Broadway. It reminds me that no matter what society says, people can change their life and begin a new path. We finish the night, after riding a few rides, by watching the nightly Christmas parade. The elves, Santa and Mrs. Claus, walking candy canes, toy soldiers and tribute to the manger brings smiles and cheers from the crowd. A quick tram ride takes us back to our car. 5 minutes later, we are back at the condo laughing and reliving all the excitement of the night with each other.
Lasting Christmas Memories
This weekend was a classic holiday weekend. The weather was a cold and there was snow in the air. It is amazing how the type of atmosphere that Branson has brings more laughter to our family. You can see us huddling together, running from place to place, sharing a cup of coffee or hot chocolate beside the fire. Branson reminds us that Family is the most important part of our lives. No matter the makeup of your family, those you choose to add to that list are your “ride or die”. Come to Branson before the holiday season is over. You want to put it on your bucket list!!! Just like our family, it will become your family tradition. Remember, they wont remember what you bought them, they will remember the times you spent together with them making memories of a lifetime.