The historic Lutz schoolhouse, built in the 1920’s, is a community gathering place.  Since October, dedicated volunteers have been decorating the school for Christmas.  Last weekend, Scott and I stopped by to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

This sign announced an early meal with the jolly man in red. We just missed him, darn it! (I had my list in my pocket, just in case.)

Homemade displays circle the building. I see those huge blow-up plastic Santas taking over people’s lawns and I appreciate the hand painted wood cut-outs even more.

We stepped inside and wished to be kids again. Garland, ornaments, and lights dangled from the downstairs hall. No mistletoe. This is an elementary school, afterall!

 Model trains wind through three classrooms of themed landscapes.

Oooh! Aaah!

I loved this snowy alpine scene.

In the last room, Christmas trees decorated by local groups brighten the worn wood floors.

Check out this frothy pink 50’s tree! Made me want to put on a poodle skirt and sip a frosty root beer.

When we left, the floor above our heads creaked as children ran in the upstairs hall… echoes of the school’s  good ole days, when wood desks and dusty chalkboards filled these classrooms. This building no longer serves to educate, but it’s still the perfect place for child wonder.