A chorus of voices rises throughout the Missouri State Capitol as a Jefferson City High School choir rehearses for the school’s annual Capital Caroling concert. The domed ceiling of the rotunda cannot contain the beautiful harmonies, and the music drifts into nearly every office in the building.
While employees are treated to a sneak preview of the evening performance, the musical interruption to the work routine is just one of many signs Christmas has arrived at the Capitol.
Visitors to Missouri’s Statehouse see evidence of the holiday season almost as soon as they enter the building. Wreaths of holly and other decorations adorn office doors and walls, and strands of garland festoon from the sweeping staircase that rises from the rotunda floor to the second floor, where the governor’s office is housed.
Outside the governor’s formal entrance, a plump white pine Christmas tree sparkles with lights and ornaments, many of which were created by area school children. The 14-foot-tall tree at the top of the rotunda stairs was the center of attention recently as the governor and first lady hosted a ceremony in honor of Christmas Tree Month in Missouri. The annual recognition of the state’s Christmas tree growers took on a special significance as children from the Special Learning Center of Jefferson City sang carols and presented their handmade ornaments.
Among the tree growers gathered at the ceremony were Steve and Teresa Meier, owners of Meier Horse Shoe Pines farm in Jackson, where the governor’s tree was harvested. Also attending were Jon and Charity Keith, whose Ozark Valley Christmas Tree Farm in Southwest City supplied a Fraser Fir wreath that hangs over the double doors leading into the governor’s office.
Those doors remain closed throughout much of the year, but at Christmastime they’re flung wide open, allowing Capitol visitors a glimpse inside the office. A glass partition allows visitors to peer into the large oval space to see the governor’s desk and the historic artwork adorning the walls. Next to the desk stands another decorated Christmas tree, a whimsical penguin slowly spins at the base.
The Christmas spirit inside the Capitol is not limited to décor, however. Employees of the Missouri Senate continued a holiday tradition, raising money for worthy causes. Senate staffers solicited donations from area businesses and gathered craft items that were sold through a silent auction held during a holiday luncheon. Employees also purchased raffle tickets with proceeds going to charitable organizations.
This year’s Senate staff luncheon raised nearly $3,100 for the Jefferson City Rape and Abuse Crisis Service and the Cole County Senior Nutrition Program. Money raised from a chili cook-off held earlier in the year increased the contribution to nearly $3,500.
Christmas decorations and holiday activities are not unique to the State Capitol, but the beauty of the building elevates these traditions. Missouri’s historic Capitol is truly a special place to experience the sights and sounds of Christmas.