MONTPELIER — A one-man play offering a nostalgic glimpse into Christmastime in rural Idaho will return to its roots Dec. 15 with two performances at the Allinger Community Theatre.

"Christmas in Montpelier" is based on stories by author Ross Peterson that detail his childhood in the small Idaho town shortly after World War II, when farmers fed their animals with horse-drawn sleighs and winters seemed colder.

The play, adapted from Peterson's book and performed last year at Utah State University, will have performances at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the theatre, located at the Oregon Trail Center. Proceeds benefit the Bear Lake Arts Council. Tickets are available at the door.

Peterson, a Montpelier native and longtime Utah State University professor, wrote his first Christmas story in 1999 after a student's request. What started as personal reflections evolved into a published book capturing life in southeastern Idaho during the 1940s and 1950s.

"These stories are really from my perspective about growing up in a small town," Peterson said. "They illustrate life in Southeast Idaho and include quite a bit of humor. They're really just personal experiences that I never really intended to be more than just for my family, but then a lot of my friends and the people from Montpelier and other people that knew me enjoyed reading them."

The theatrical adaptation weaves together eight stories from Peterson's book, with a single actor portraying Peterson at different ages. The stories range from humorous childhood misadventures at the local Christmas pageant to poignant family moments.

"A lot of people enjoyed it," Peterson said. "A lot of people were reminded of their own past, which became one of the themes. Everybody has their own story, everybody's having their own experiences. We're all important. We're all significant. So don't be afraid to write (your stories) down."

The play holds special meaning for Peterson as a way to honor his hometown and preserve local history. The performance location adds sentimentality, as the building sits on the site of Peterson's former elementary school and playground.

"There's always been something that lingers with me deeply about our hometown," Peterson said. "My wife's from the same town and we've never lived that far away, but right now, in the last few years, it's the first time that we've really never had any family that are still living there. The town has shifted a lot and changed a lot."

In 2014, Peterson and others held a reunion for anyone who had attended the local high school, and hundreds returned to the small Idaho town. Peterson's efforts with the Bear Lake Arts Council reflect his appreciation for those who have passed through Montpelier.

"It was a great place to grow up," Peterson said. "We had magical teachers and I just had this sense that we need to give something back. Anything we can do to help people understand the importance of roots and how you and your family are part of a larger community."

Peterson's books "Christmas in Montpelier" and "Beyond Montpelier" are available on Amazon for anyone unable to attend the play.

"It's just good to give a little bit back," Peterson said. "Montpelier is a beautiful valley and it still has tough winters, but it's a great place, and that's what we want to tell people."