By Karen Parr-Moody

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Get ready for glamour and Santa looking his spiffiest at the Smith-Trahern Mansion on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This is when the Open House for the Trees of Christmas takes place at the historic home at 101 McClure Street and the holiday is celebrated in style. The event is free and open to the public.

One of the most exciting aspects of this event is that it gives visitors to the mansion the opportunity to take their own photos of their children or grandchildren sitting with Santa. And Santa always dresses to match the grandeur of the mansion – complete with a flowing white beard and old-fashioned spectacles. The Christmas card possibilities are endless.

Additionally, the Smith-Trahern Mansion is filled with cheer, because scores of volunteers get together for this annual event to decorate the Christmas trees that fill each room. From the grand hall to the library, each room will feature a tree with decorations inspired by a line of the song “Brightly Shines the Sun on a Winter’s Day.”

Light refreshments will be served; there will be entertainment, as well. Musical spotlights will include the Northeast High School Chorus, a pianist, a harpist, Ryan Bowie (of The Roxy Regional Theatre) and a singing group and a trio that includes the violin, guitar and banjo.

The event is hosted by the Home of Family and Community Education “Life Skills Learning Center” in partnership with The University of Tennessee Extension of Montgomery County and the City of Clarksville.

The Trees of Christmas will also be on view to the public and for school tours from Dec. 1 to 4 and Dec. 8 to 11. A $2 admission is charged for adults during these days; children younger than 12 are allowed entry at no cost. For more information call Barbara Brown Beeman at 931-801-0822.

Karen Parr-Moody began a career as a New York journalist, working as a fashion reporter for Women’s Wear Daily, a beauty editor for Young Miss and a beauty and fashion writer for both In Style and People magazines. Regionally, she has been a writer at The Leaf-Chronicle newspaper and currently writes about arts and culture for Nashville Arts magazine each month.