Last night, Susie McEntire wrapped a run of Country Christmas performances with a spirited show in Warsaw at Lakeview Middle School.

The show included beloved holiday standards, a few of McEntire’s country classics, a few songs backed by the Warsaw Christian School’s Children’s Choir, a little bit of comedy and a duet with her husband, Mark Eaton.

McEntire took the stage, decked out like Christmas morning, with a fully adorned Christmas tree and hearth hung with stockings. She sang with grace and poise. She shared stories between songs. “You’re going to connect with her spirit,” Eaton said prior to the performance.

The children’s choir joined her for moving performances of “Jingle Bells” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” “Playing with the kids is a huge experience,” said McEntire.

“I really enjoy singing with my husband,” she said. Eaton took the stage to sing “Silent Night” in German.

“I have a special song tonight for people who have lost loved ones, called ‘You’ll Get Through This,'” said McEntire. There was nary a dry eye in the auditorium after that number.

McEntire’s set concluded with a Christmas medley that included such holiday classics as “The Christmas Song,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”

There was a goodwill element to McEntire’s Country Christmas. Admission to the show cost a new, unwrapped toy for Toys For Tots. By the time McEntire took the stage, many large boxes were filled gifts for those who might have otherwise gone without.

“We need to be aware of the without,” said McEntire. “To me, it’s Christmas everyday when we can put a smile on a child’s face.”

For the last month, McEntire has been playing her holiday show all over the country, from Jackson, Miss., to a few performances in Las Vegas, to Iowa and finally to northern Indiana. “I’m glad to be here,” she said. “I love this town.”

And with her tour concluded, she’s ready to enjoy some quality Christmas time with her family. “I realized today I’m short a few gifts, but I’m ready for Christmas,” said McEntire.

After her holiday break, McEntire and Eaton will be hitting the road once again. One of her stops will be in Florida, where she hopes to record another live record like Live In Florida: Rough Cuts.

She said Rough Cuts went over so well with fans she’s eager to record another one. “It’s not real polished like a studio album, but they enjoy it being real,” she said.