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.