Do you know a child with a big imagination?

This Christmas season, give that child an opportunity to imagine himself or herself living in Victorian times. That Victorian Christmas experience can be theirs from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8.

For the seventh year, the Lanier Mansion in Madison is offering a special afternoon just for children, called “Spirit of Christmas Past.” The Lanier Mansion is Madison’s famous Greek Revival residence, the “Crown Jewel” of Madison’s Historic District.

Children and their families are invited to come into the magnificent mansion for crafts, refreshments, stories and a visit with a Victorian Santa Claus.

Madison’s Mike Totten plays the role of Father Christmas, the Victorian equivalent of the jolly old elf. Totten is a versatile interpreter; you may remember him in previous appearances as the Easter bunny, a Confederate soldier or even a Civil War ghost. Stories will be presented by another talented Madisonian, Bob Hartsaw.

Ann Fairchild will supervise the craft – an authentic 19^th century item called a Christmas cracker. No, this cracker is not for your snack tray. A Christmas cracker is a wrapped tube filled with good things that is “cracked” with a pop after the Christmas meal. Children will fill their crackers with a toy, a piece of candy, a paper crown made by RSVP volunteers and other surprises. Each will even be equipped with a firecracker piece so it will make a satisfying noise when cracked.

Of course, seeing how the Lanier Mansion is decorated for the holidays is an important part of the event. Children will love finding out about the Lanier children, exploring the house and climbing the spiral staircase.

No reservations are necessary for “Spirit of Christmas Past.”  Admission is $3 per child, with one free adult admission per child. For more information call (812) 265-3526.