Coastal residents had the opportunity to see how American colonists celebrated Christmas more than 200 years ago. 

Saturday, Brunswick Town Fort Anderson held An 18th Century Christmas for the seventh year. Visitors participated in colonial holiday traditions like playing games, eating sweet treats and making candles. 

Site Director, Jim McKee says it's a chance to show folks that Christmas wasn't always so commercialized. 

"It's how natural Christmas was. It's not the tinsel, it's not the toys and everything we have today. It was natural. The decorations were simple. It was also a much simpler time and it was a chance for family to get together," says McKee.

The event wrapped up with an authentic colonial candlelight service in the ruins of the St. Philips Church.