Everetts Christmas, Dec. 7, 2019 (full size gallery)
This is not a Christmas party but a Christmas experience. In every room in the Everett household you are surrounded by Christmas. It is challenging just to see everything. And their collection is still expanding! The family pitches by starting the decorating in early November to be ready.
The living room has a gigantic tree, a decorated Christmas mantle and a large screen TV with continuous Christmas hits. Then moving into the hall is the real treat – the old Christmas village with churches, hotels, stores, and moveable Christmas rides. It is an assault on the senses! There are three tables, most on permanent exhibit through the year but covered. Last year they added a new double second level with "elevators" plus extra buildings in the layout.
There is a separate home attached with a inground pool covered over for Christmas. In this room are larger Christmas exhibits, including a manger scene, Santa in a balloon and a wire Christmas tree. (Don’t even try to count the trees in this house!). A long table was set for dinner. There were at least 40+ people. The 2018 event was snowed out – well Cherry said there were about 20 hearty souls.
We began with cheese and crackers, shrimp and wine and then the family prayer with everyone lined around the pool. Dinner was a covered dish of venison, chicken, turkey and gravy and too many vegetables and vegetable casseroles to count.
As the dinner ended, Helmut began a series of Christmas favorites on the violin and Jim Heimbach on the keys. There was a book of about 20 Christmas carols. We sang happy birthday to Cherry and Talia celebrating this year. There was also time to relax in the many chairs around the table for conversation.
At the end we processed to their dining room where there was a Christmas gift for each us. This room has all the Santas from all over the world.
If this party doesn’t put you in the Christmas spirit than nothing will. Hats off to the Everetts for continuing the tradition and all who came to partake.
Videos
1. Everett’s Christmas Party 1 Christmas Village
2. Everett’s Christmas Party 2 Christmas Village
3. Everett’s Christmas Party 3 Christmas Village
4. Everett’s Christmas Party 4 Christmas Village
5. Everett’s Christmas Party 5 Christmas Village
6. Everett’s Christmas Party 6 Christmas Village
7. Singing Christmas Carols
8. Silent Night