For many, many, many years on the first weekend in December, I have traveled with girlfriends to a small town for the Christmas Candlelight Home Tour (he-he-he, no hubbies allowed).
Jefferson, Texas was once considered a seaport and larger than Dallas, a major shipping port for those who wished to sell agricultural products, especially cotton. During Jefferson’s Golden Era from 1845 until 1875, it became a cosmopolitan town due to a convergence of cultures and businesses.
The homes are primarily of Greek revival design and many of them have been renovated. Some transformed into a B&B, and most have an historical marker. The town oozes Southern charm.
The story goes the Army Corps of Engineers blew up the dam and the water level dropped. About that same time, the railroad bypassed Jefferson. The town went into decline.
The Garden Club started the Candlelight Tour. Four homes are decorated for Christmas, using native plants and/or homemade decorations, lots of candles, and ribbons. The owners and their friends talk about the history of their homes, bringing life from long ago alive. For we visitors, there are carriage rides, plenty of shopping, Christmas carols, and really great food. And of course, time to spend with girlfriends and soak in everything Christmas.
To top off one evening, we drive to a neighborhood park to see The Enchanted Forest. The locals sponsor about 75 Christmas trees and decorate them. Some are whimsical, some themed, and others are homey. We take lots and lots of pictures.
Back at our B&B, we change into our comfy pajamas, pull out the peanut M&Ms, and exchange Christmas gifts. We talk until the wee hours.
I can’t imagine not going on this trip. It truly kicks off my holidays!
Vicki Batman ~ sassy writer of sexy and funny fiction
Sounds like a wonderful time! I hope you enjoy yourself! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteA lot of fun activities. I've gone through Twilight House tours and I enjoy them a lot, seeing how people decorated in that time frame.
ReplyDeleteBoy this sounds like fun! A truly special way to celebrate with friends. Is it okay if I envy you just a little? Have a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteAn amazing, fun trip -- especially at Holiday time!
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great fun time, Vicki be safe!
ReplyDeleteGood luck and God's blessings
PamT
Hi, Melissa! I truly enjoy this trip. Sometimes, the weather is challenging like rain or the ice storm. But we get there and have a blast.
ReplyDeleteHi, Colleen: one year, a home had paper decorations made by the owner. She started a year in advance. They were stunning.
ReplyDeleteHi, Laura! I feel so fortunate to be with these women. We discuss all kinds of things, ooh and aah over many great meals and fun things to buy.
ReplyDeleteHi, Angela! The holiday decorations are amazing. We liked two houses a lot, but one--not as much.
ReplyDeleteHi, Jennifer: This town as over 100 historical markers. Each home is so different and that's welcomed. Lots of old trees and an old way of landscaping.
ReplyDeleteHi, Pam! Thank you for stopping. We explored a nearby larger town this year. Ate lunch at a cute café and shopped the downtown area which is known for its light display at Christmastime. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun, Vicki! Thanks so much for sharing! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mary! It's a fun way to kick off the holiday season. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to reconnect with friends and get a chance to recharge and remind oneself of the beauty of the season. Thanks for sharing your lovely tradition.
ReplyDeleteHello, E.L.F. I met one friend when I was almost 18 and we've been buds ever since. Another I met when we worked together. And her BFF went to high school with me. Another's son went to elementary school and boy scouts with mine. And recently, we invited a book club friend. Friendship is the reason for the season. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to get in the spirit and have fun with friends. Years ago when I was a member of the local Chamber of Commerce we started the annual tour of holiday homes and it continues to this day--love visiting all those old, sometimes new, homes decorated for Christmas. The first year, our home was on the list and it was such fun having people come visit and help us enjoy the festivities. But I'd much rather be out and about like you, and connect with friends as you go out and about.
ReplyDeleteWow, sounds like a great way to kick of the holidays and connect with friends. I hope you have a wonderful time. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to spend time with friends and kick off the Holidays. Thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great way to recharge with special girlfriends before the time crunch of prepping for Christmas. Happy holidays!
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