“O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree.”

I know it is way too early to be singing holiday music, but we are already planning for the season at the Hormel Historic Home. Our expert decorating team is busy crafting ornaments and collecting new ideas to add to the interior decorating of the Home.

In 2014, I wrote that we had 27 decorated trees, but I actually think we ended up with more than 30. We have recently received a few donated trees so our collection continues to grow and will be even grander this year.

Our exterior displays have not been as elaborate as the interior décor, but this year we are hoping to change that. We want to add some twinkle to the garden and, with 17 evergreens, we can create a beautiful holiday scene that will enhance our facility and add to the holiday spirit in downtown Austin.

I love the sentimental holiday movies that air on the Hallmark Channel throughout November and December. There always seems to be a community effort to keep Christmas alive and there is often a beautifully decorated tree somewhere in the plot. We want the trees in our garden to contribute to the lovely season and build on the festive enthusiasm that already exists in Austin. Visitors enjoy the Peace Garden in spring, summer and fall, and now we want offer its beauty in the winter.

According to www.history.com, “Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it. It is a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles.”

The Pennsylvania German settlements had community Christmas trees as early as 1747, but the use of trees in homes did not become commonplace until the mid-1840s. In 1846 Queen Victoria and her German Prince, Albert, were depicted with their children around a Christmas tree. History.com wrote that “unlike the previous royal family, Victoria was very popular with her subjects, and what was done at court immediately became fashionable — not only in Britain, but with fashion-conscious East Coast American Society. The Christmas tree had arrived.”

Because of George Hormel’s German heritage, it seems fitting that we carry on the tradition that was started in his country.  We need your help to begin the tradition of lighting the trees in the Peace Garden, and we are seeking financial donations to fund the project. Donations can be directed to 208 Fourth Ave. NW, Austin or on our website www.hormelhistorichome.org. Thank you for your support.

Free Garden Concert, Matra Percussion

6:30 p.m., Tuesday

A unique percussion quartet performing original compositions, arrangements, percussion ensemble repertoire and more. Matra satisfies both the active and passive listeners with rhythmically and harmonically complex passages alongside memorable melodies and grooves. Visit www.matrapercussion.com

 Free Program in banquet hall, Choo Choo Bob

2 p.m., Wednesday, August 5

Choo Choo Bob and his crazy group of friends will perform original train rock ‘n’ roll songs from their TV show. They will get everybody up on their feet, shaking their cabooses, for a big dance party. The Choo Choo Bob Show can currently be seen on the Qubo network at 4 and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit www.choochoobobs.com for more.