Traditional Christmas songs and holiday desserts will fill the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center on Sunday afternoon, as the Kenai Historical Society hosts its “Deck the Halls” caroling event.

June Harris, the president of the historical society, said the holidays are for socializing.

“It’s a good time to do that,” she said.

Harris said the afternoon of carols is open to the public, and that people are encouraged to bring their favorite holiday dessert to share.

Last year, she said, the historical society decided not to meet because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were pretty much shut down all last year,” Harris said.

Henry Knackstedt, a Kenai City Council member and a board member of the Kenai Historical Society, said he’s excited to be gathering for holiday cheer on Sunday.

“I don’t know how to describe the emotion,” he said. “It’s sort of a release.”

Knackstedt said he was able to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family in Anchorage this year after staying home and isolating in 2020. He said it’s important to be able to gather, especially around the holidays.

“A lot of it personally, for me, is just feeling more comfortable,” Knackstedt said. “It makes me happy.”

Caroling starts at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.