Join WCTE-PBS and host Dr. Cephas Ablakwa for this special airing of Spirit of Holiday Traditions as we showcase the holiday celebrations of three local families. 

In this year's annual holiday special, we will highlight the extraordinary endeavors of a specific bell ringer family, plus delve into the heartwarming story of a 99-year-old WWII veteran and his wife as they continue to cherish the holidays throughout their lifelong marriage. Finally, we'll explore how a family catering business gears up for their own festive gatherings after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. 

This episode will also be made available on YouTube and Facebook. 

2022 - Join Caroline Moore, host of "Spirit of Holiday Traditions," as she explores a medley of holiday stories and local traditions around central Tennessee. Beginning with a local Mennonite family from Muddy Pond, entering into their own personal kitchen, they reminisce over family stories and differences in generations while making their grandmother's traditional sourdough bread. Next, the White Plains Historic Home displays stunning Victorian and Pioneer decor while engaging in the 1800s history of Christmas tales and customs. Finally, there is nothing like going to the Cumberland County Playhouse to see a holiday play each year and we hear from a few of the cast and crew of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! The Musical, sharing their feelings of magic and Christmas cheer, all on this year's "Spirit of Holiday Traditions."

“Spirit of Holiday Traditions” 2021 premiered on WCTE PBS, YouTube TV, WCTE PBS App and Facebook with Caroline Moore serving as the host. The show included this year’s Merry and Bright Holiday Home Challenge Christmas Tour of Lights featuring the homes of Matt and Leslie Reep, and Bob and Charlene Sealy. The show also included spectacular holiday table décor from Dawson Davidson, Agriculture Advocate & Lifestyle Guru, and the history of Kwanzaa from Dr. Krystal D. F. Akehinmi, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Tennessee Tech.

The Merry and Bright Holiday Home Challenge Christmas Tour of Lights showcased elaborate and awe-inspiring holiday lights and displays. Dawson Davidson featured a segment for those looking for holiday table decorating ideas, featuring cultural traditions to reflect the joy and magic of the holiday season without all the fuss. And Dr. Krystal D. F. Akehinmi featured a segment about Kwanzaa, an annual celebration of African-American culture that is observed from December 26 to January 1.

A free map that includes the addresses of participants in the fourth annual Merry and Bright Holiday Home Challenge is available at Cookeville City Hall.