-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Joseph and Mary (Ben and Kelly Butcher) look lovingly on baby Jesus (Logan Butcher) Sunday afternoon during Manson Hometown Christmas. The Butcher's son Logan played the part perfectly, sleeping peacefully in the manger despite the noise from the crowds around him. The family is from rural Palmer.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Gavin Hoeppner, 7, and Rylie and Emma Hoeppner, both 4, of Manson, more than fill Santa's lap as they pose for a photo before telling him what they would like for Christmas. Santa, also known as Tim Shea of the Manson Lions Club, arrived on a fire truck instead of a sleigh Sunday afternoon in time for the Manson Chamber of Commerce Hometown Christmas at the Manson Area Community Center, where he spent a couple hours listening to children's Christmas wishes.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Shelby McLain, 6, and Adalee McLain, 4, of Manson, decorate Christmas ornaments Sunday at the Manson Wa Tan Ye table during Hometown Christmas at the Manson Area Community Center.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Ruby Meyer, 6, center, and Violet Meyer, 4, of Lohrville, along with Kysen Poutre, of Manson, (partially hidden) take a peak at an Eastern tiger salamander and three-toed box turtle Sunday afternoon during the Manson Hometown Christmas. The animals were brought by Abbey Conrad, naturalist and park ranger for Calhoun County Conservation. She also brought a fox snake name Loki.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Emily Meyer, 9, of Manson, "dances" as Olaf from the Frozen movie series, as she poses behind the “Frozen” photo board, which also featured spots to appear as Elsa and Ana, during the Manson Hometown Christmas Sunday afternoon at the Manson Area Community Center.