Holidays at the Mansion

There is no place like Virginia’s home for the holidays! Donated by the Clouse Family Farm, the Executive Mansion’s largest Christmas tree is decorated to celebrate the Commonwealth’s agrarian heritage with the theme of a Virginia Harvest Holiday. Decorating the tree are clusters of lichen, dried quince, wheat stalks and cranberries, accompanied by arrangements of Virginia peanuts meant to resemble snowflakes. A celebration of Virginia’s natural beauty would not be complete without Capitol Square's own natural hydrangea, added to the tree after being dried.

Morgan’s Message elevates the story of Morgan Rodgers, a beloved daughter, sister, friend and teammate on Duke University’s Women’s Lacrosse Team whose life was cut short by suicide at the age of 22. Their mission is to provide a platform where others feel safe to share their own stories, be a catalyst for change within our mental healthcare systems and foster a community for which tomorrow always exists. Morgan’s Message is clear: as an athlete, there is no shame in seeking physical healthcare -- the same should be true for mental healthcare. To learn more about Morgan, her story, and how you can be a part of Morgan’s Message, click here.

TAPS, standing for Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, is a national nonprofit organization providing support for all those grieving the death of a military veteran loved one. TAPS offers around the clock comfort and hope through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources at zero cost to surviving families and loved ones. Visit TAPS website for resources, programs and to learn how you can support the organization.

Each December on National Wreaths across America Day, the organization coordinates remembrance wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and over 3,000 additional locations in the United States, at sea and abroad. The holiday season presents a difficult time for many families, especially for those who have lost a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. In addition to Veterans Day in the fall and Memorial Day in the spring, Wreaths across America presents us an opportunity to express our appreciation for our service members during the holiday season. To find a wreath laying ceremony near you, click here.

It’s the most wonderful time of year at the Executive Mansion, and it has been for over two centuries! In 1849, Virginia became the fifth state to recognize Christmas as a legal holiday, beginning the tradition of decking the interior halls and exterior walls of Virginia’s home. Click through the galleries below to see how the Mansion’s holiday scene has changed over the years.

Executive Mansion Pastry Chef Scott Henderlite started crafting this year’s gingerbread house at the beginning of November. “My favorite thing about making this year’s house was adding the lights. I love the action and life it adds to the scene,” says Henderlite. Each feature of the farm house, other than the lights and fauna, is as edible as it is miraculous; from the apple trees, tobacco plants, grape vines and bee hive to the wafer roof and chocolate rocks lining the pathway to the house.