“Black Friday isn’t the start of the Christmas season, the Christmas Reading is. This is as close to a Hallmark experience as you’ll get in Southeast Missouri ….” - Greg Mathis, founder
Learn About the Christmas Reading
Greg and Lisa Mathis
Greg and Lisa Mathis began this tradition in 2009 for Stoddard County. The Christmas Reading is held annually every Saturday after Thanksgiving at 6:00 pm in the vacant lot across from Mathis Funeral Home. All are welcome to attend. |
Bob and June Coffey
June Coffey, Lisa's mother and Greg's mother-in-law read the Christmas story from Luke 2 every Christmas Eve to their two boys when they were young. It was a tradition Greg decided to share with others through the Christmas reading. Mrs. Coffey passed away in 2015, and Mr. Coffey passed away in 2020. |