The Henry Sheldon Museum and its alliance partner, Historic New England present a talk, "The Spirit of Christmas Past: Four Centuries of Christmas in New England" by Kenneth Turino, Manager of Community Engagement and Exhibitions at Historic New England. His well-illustrated lecture traces the development of early New England Christmas celebrations from the 17th century through the beginning of the 21st century. The talk takes place in the meeting room of the Middlebury Town Office building, across the street from the Sheldon Museum. Following the talk, the audience is invited to the Sheldon Museum for a festive holiday reception and to view the current exhibits, including vintage wooden Vermont toys and the model train display. There is no charge for Sheldon Museum and Historic New England members; non-members $10. Reservations and advanced payment appreciated but not required. Call the Sheldon Museum at 802-388-2117 to reserve at space.