Effingham celebrated the holidays, and the county's heritage, Sunday at the annual Historic Effingham Christmas at Ebenezer.

Called a "celebration of Effingham's heritage and faith," the program harkens back to the Salzburgers' celebration of Christmas more than 270 years ago.

Guests were given a tour to see how Salzburger homes might have been decorated for Christmas in the 18th century.

That was followed by a Christmas gathering at the New Ebenezer Retreat Center with the lighting of the community Christmas tree, food, fellowship and Christmas songs played by Warren Ratchford.

The night concluded with "Canticles in Candlelight," a cantata service for Advent at Jerusalem Lutheran Church.