100 Day Project 2021

Monday, December 5, 2016

Christmas At The Mansion


The day may have been dark and dreary, but inside the Arkansas Governor's Mansion it was bright and cheery! This was my second year to attend the Christmas Open House at the Mansion. This year's theme was A Tribute To Handel.


As you enter the front door the first thing you see is a gorgeous tree adorned with gold and copper ornaments, a festive garland draped on the beautiful staircase, and the magnificence chandelier.




I thought you might like to take a tour with me through the rooms which were decorated with nativities, angels, musical instruments, and crowns in celebration of Christ the King's birth.










Between the house and the Grand Hall was a winter wonderland.








The Grand Hall was transformed into a Renaissance-style cathedral. Cookies and hot apple cider were served. As we ate George Frederic Handel gave us a short history of his life. Then organ music filled the room with an excerpt from Handel's Messiah. We got to meet the organist, but I can't remember his name. All I know is that his playing took my breath away.




As we left we were wished a
Merry Christmas by Santa.


I'm grateful to the Arkansas Governor's Mansion Association and all those who volunteer their time and energy decorating the mansion. I can't even begin to imagine how much time this took. The theme for the open house was chosen by the First Lady of Arkansas, Susan Hutchinson. The Mansion Association has several fund raisers to raise money for any additional decorations to fit the theme. The beauty of the mansion certainly put me in a joyful holiday mood.

6 comments:

  1. Stunning! So glad you got to go again and enjoy the beauty. Merry Christmas.

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  2. I loved your photos. We did have a great time and the Mansion was beautiful.

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  3. What a treat to be able to explore this amazing place.

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  4. Wow - breathtaking. The life-sized holy family and angels are wonderful. This would be a grand way to get into the spirit of Christmas.

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  5. what a beautiful place, sure to put you in the holiday spirit!! i like how you focused your images, here and there, concentrating on the details. and santa waving good-bye, the icing on the cake!!

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