Irene McNulty getting The World of James Herriot ready for
Christmas

CHRISTMAS has officially arrived in the Yorkshire Dales town of Thirsk with the opening of a special exhibition celebrating the festive season at The World of James Herriot.

As well as charting the history of Christmas, it also contains treasures and traditions from people across the Hambleton district.

Each year the Thirsk based attraction is dressed 1940s style with paper garlands, greenery and a Christmas tree - just as it would have been during rationing times. And the kitchen table is always bursting with Christmas favourites - puddings, cakes and mince pies.

But for 2006 the centre is going one stage further. The new exhibition area will be dedicated to 'Christmas Treasures and Traditions' to explore familiar festive items and traditions and find out more about the history behind the season - including everything from why stockings are hung up and sixpences are put in puddings to why greenery is hung, crackers pulled and cards sent.

Exhibition co-ordinator, Irene McNulty, says local people have come up trumps loaning the centre lots of decorations that have survived from the 1940s, 50s and 60s.

"Lots of people have scoured their attics for the boxes of retired decorations - they are no longer displayed but kept because they bring back fond memories of Christmas' past," she said.

"They include baubles, paper decorations, musical boxes, stockings, lights and cards.

"And we have had lots of people write to us with their memories of the big day - one man told us a about the Christmas he got a huge parcel to unwrap - the biggest under the tree - only to find it was his fathers old trouser press.

"Another told us about her restless Christmas Eve and sensing someone coming into the room. She woke at 7am to find a stocking at the end of her bed full of treats - including an orange in the toe."

To complement the exhibition there is a festive talk on November 23. 'Deck the Halls' will take a closer look at the exhibition as well as including a guided tour around the centre with Alf Wight's daughter, Rosie Page.

Tickets priced £5 are available from the centre on 01845 524234.

The exhibition runs until January 29.