Decorated for Christmas 1878, Ferndale?s Fern Cottage, the historic home of Humboldt County pioneers Joseph and Zipporah Russ, will celebrate the season with an open house, 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday,  December 6.

The 143-year-old home?s formal parlor, which was created from two smaller rooms in 1878, will feature a large Christmas tree and freshly-cut garlands. The tree will be festooned with handmade decorations based on research of Victorian Christmases by Fern Cottage docents.  The dining room will be set for Christmas breakfast, 1878.

Ferndale?s Beaux and Belles will fill the house with Christmas songs old and young. Hot mulled wine and apple cider will be served, along with homemade cookies. There will be a Stocking Stuffer Gift Shop and docents will be stationed in many rooms to tell the history of the home and answer guests? questions. 

Tickets are $15 per person. (Juniors, 8 to 14 years of age, $7). There is no charge for children seven and under.  For reservations, telephone 707/444-8559. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Fern  Cottage, at 2121 Centerville Road, three miles west of downtown Ferndale, is owned and operated by the non-profit Fern Cottage Foundation. All proceeds from the open house will go to the  maintenance of the home and its surrounding gardens.