Did you know that Alabama was the first state to make Christmas a holiday? In 1836, Alabama declared Christmas a legal holiday. It was not made an official holiday of the United States until June 26, 1870. Charles Dickens book, A Christmas Carol, was published in 1843 and played a significant role in Christmas becoming a holiday,
Christmas time in downtown Huntsville is a beautiful occasion. Historic homes in the Twickenham district are draped in garland of cedar and magnolia. Entryways are donned up in florals, poinsettias, wreaths, and even citrus. The annual Twickenham Tour of Homes is an event that draws people from across North Alabama giving them an opportunity to step inside these homes all dressed up in their finest holiday attire. The tour is also educational and full of history of the area that gives both residents and visitors an opportunity to learn more about what makes Huntsville so unique.
The Morgan-Neal House on Franklin Street is one that is always dressed to the nines at Christmas time. The home was built around 1823 and then remodeled in its current Italianate style in 1855 by owner George Neal. The homes has many stories but the one currently being lived out in it, is that of the Ray family. Austin and LeeLee Ray moved into the home a few years ago to raise their young family. The unique part of this story is that the home was LeeLee's childhood home.
From the moment you knock on the gorgeous hand carved wooden doors, it is apparent this home is special. Pair the beautiful bones of the home with LeeLee's keen attention to details and you set the stage for a Christmas scene that rivals any in the world.
In the formal living LeeLee places her largest tree covered in colored lights and hand knitted snowflake ornaments by her grandmother. The tree is a showstopper and can be seen by those passing by on Franklin Street. Her Nutcrackers line a mantel and you will find the piano stacked with holiday music books.
Taking a turn into the family room you will find a tree with handmade ornaments by her children and stocking with everyone's name on them hanging from the mantel. The fire gently going gives that cozy feeling and it is no doubt that a lot of love is poured into this room and the holiday season.
The star of the show throughout the year is the lacquered ceiling in the dining room. Local Jack-Of-All-Trades Mike Knox brought the reflective ceiling to life beautifully. The dining room mantel decked with silver trees and LeeLee has set the table with her finest china, crystal, silver, and monogrammed linens.
The holiday decor expands in almost every room. The kitchen is a place loved by LeeLee. As an entrepreneur she owned her own restaurant and catering business, Lyn's Gracious Goodness, started by her mother Lyn. Her and her mother's culinary talents are well-known in the region. You will find a small tree in the kitchen decorated in various culinary inspired ornaments from croissants to bacon. You will also find wreaths hanging from windows and holiday centerpieces on the two islands. The kitchen is where the Ray family lives out their every day moments as family and their most memorable nights with friends. From family dinners to big parties, it is in the kitchen where life is most loved.
Home is where the love is. Home is where beauty is. Home is where the holidays come to life in every way for The Ray family.
The Ray's home was part of the 2022 Twickenham Tour of Homes. This year's tour will be held Saturday December 9th in coordination with the Twickenham Luminaries 5-9pm. Tickets are $20 per adult and $5 per child. Tickets can be purchased at Harrison Brothers Hardware, Brooks&Collier, The Greenery, and the Convention and Visitor's Bureau. This year's homes include:
- 310 White Circle
- 416 McClung Avenue
- 410 Lincoln Street
- 415 Locust Avenue
- The Weeden House 300 Gates Avenue
Chase Creek Strings Group will be playing Christmas music at The Weeden House. Central Presbyterian Church along with Hawthorne Conservatory will be serving warm drinks and hosting a concert. First Methodist Church will be hosting an Open House and have Christmas music and Church of the Nativity offer Christmas carols, cookies and cider.