The Shadow
HOT SPRINGS – The Homestead Resort continued a holiday tradition Wednesday afternoon with the formal lighting of its Christmas tree located in the Great Hall.
The family of William and Arlene Waldorf of Buena Vista, Co., were the honorary family for this year’s tree lighting. The Waldorf’s have been visiting The Homestead since 1967, and this year 30 member of the family, spanning three generation, were present.
Granddaughter Emma Mercer, 17, of Great Falls, Va., threw the switch just after 4 p.m. Wednesday to formally light the tree.
This year’s Great Hall Christmas Tree is a Fraser Fir commissioned especially for The Homestead from Henderson Tree Farm in Newland, N.C. The 25-year-old tree stands 21 feet tall and is decorated with 2,000 oversized ornaments and over 1,250 LED lights.
Legend has it that the first Christmas tree arrived at The Homestead in 1776, when its founder, Capt. Thomas Bullett, returned for the holidays from his service in the American Revolution. He had met Army officers from Pennsylvania who told him of their Christmas tree tradition. He then brought the custom back to The Homestead, where it has been a part of the holiday celebration ever since.
This year, staff members have decorated five live Christmas trees inside The Homestead and an additional 33 live trees at the Owner’s Club cottages. They are complemented with 45 holiday wreaths with bright red bows and 500 poinsettias, among which are the varieties Freedom Red, Prestige Red, Red Christmas Rose and Pink Christmas Rose. The Homestead grounds are decorated with over 1,575 feet of evergreen garlands, and over 100,000 lights glow brightly on outdoor trees and shrubs. Following another Homestead tradition, after the holidays the trees, poinsettias and other plant materials are recycled where possible.
The Holiday Lights and Ice display transforms the resort into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink and illuminate themed displays. Thousands of twinkling lights outline the resort and create backdrop for guests as they enjoy a hayride through Candy Cane Lane with oversized gingerbread figures, 10-foot candy canes and six-foot gum drops and lollipops.
The Victorian Village and Reindeer Lane feature 19th century skaters and carolers, towering animated swans and a family of reindeer. Toyland features 10-foot animated toy soldiers, eight-foot jack-in-the-box, rocking horses, gift boxes and starbursts. Rounding out the fun is a stop at The Homestead’s crackling fire pit to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or to roast s’mores.
The Homestead’s Gingerbread Village is the annual creation of Executive Pastry Chef Michel Finel and his team. Over 80 pounds of gingerbread, 110 pounds of candy and 260 pounds of sugar comprise this Homestead holiday tradition – a favorite of children of all ages. As in the past, there will be a six-foot Santa and large candy canes and trees, making the Village a children’s wonderland.
And speaking of magical favorites, none other than Santa Claus himself paid a visit to the resort Wednesday afternoon to pose for pictures and hear Christmas wishes.
