-Open houses at two historic homes invite you to get in the Christmas spirit while learning how Moore County settlers celebrated yule.

The first weekend in December is the McLendon Cabin and Bryant House Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5.

The houses, built in the 1760s and 1820s, are at 3361 Mt. Carmel Road, Carthage.

Both homes will be decorated for the holidays by Moore County Historical Association volunteers and Friends of the Bryant House, using natural greens and items found in nature as the early settlers did.

A historic interpretation and tours of the two dwellings also will be available.

As always, hot cider and cookies and live music will be there for all to enjoy - for free.

On Saturday, Allen Ashdown, David McDonald and Steven Hedgpeth will perform. On Sunday, the music will be provided by the Crawley Creek Company, which includes Wayne Livengood on guitar and vocals, Max Livengood playing pretty much everything, Mark Fry on rhythm guitar, Noah Richardson on bass and Austin Cameron on banjo.

Unfortunately, since the mantel at the McLendon Cabin is in serious need of repair, there won't be the roaring fire in the fireplace visitors have come to appreciate. But the cabin does have a new roof thanks to fundraisers, grants and donations.

Something new this year is a drawing at 3 p.m. Sunday to determine the winner of a 42-inch Sanyo television set. Proceeds from all of the $5 raffle tickets sold since July will go toward the repairs still needed on the McLendon Cabin, which is the oldest dwelling in Moore County on its original site.

Shaw House

The next weekend, following the annual membership party on Thursday, Dec. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Shaw House and two other historic house museums will throw open their doors to the public. The annual Christmas Open House is from 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 10, 11 and 12.

Admission to the open house is free.

Headquarters of the Moore County Historical Association, the Shaw House is at 110 Morganton Road on the corner of Morganton Road and Broad Street in Southern Pines.

The open house includes tours of the Shaw House, which was built in the 1820s, and two cabins built by settlers in the 1700s in northern Moore County. Known as the Sanders Cabin and the Garner House, the cabins were relocated to their present location. All three historic homes are furnished.

Visitors also will enjoy old-time decorations made from natural materials authentic to the historic period, warm apple cider and homemade cookies, as well as live music and other carefree Christmas cheer.

For more details, call (910) 692-2051 or visit www.moorehistory.com.