Beautiful weather outside and the warmth of beautiful homes decorated for Christmas inside made for a very successful Christmas Homes Tour in Alderson on Sunday, December 5, 2011.

Alderson Main Street President Judy Lewallen said, “We had a great day! Over 200 people came to see the homes, the model trains, hear the choir, eat a great lunch, and shop.”

Lee Skaggs, co-organizer of the Model Train Show, said, “I lost count by about 1:30 p.m. but we had people enjoying the trains—and the cookies--all afternoon.” Tammy Smith Skaggs said, “I loved watching the little ones watch the trains. Their noses were about level with the layouts and their eyes just glistened.”

The home of Billy and Amanda Thomas was full of lights and fresh Christmas greenery. The tree in the “dude cave”, the boys’ relaxation room off their bedroom, sported blaze orange lights and hunting items. Amanda’s family heirlooms, from a factory that supplied Tiffany’s, added sparkle to the formal living room.

Oversize ribbon in loops, swirls, and bows decorated the huge tree and other parts of the home of Sam and Pixote McClung. An antique bicycle along with dolls, bears and other large toys barely left room for the lights and branches. The larger than life size Nativity Scene in the front yard reminded everyone of the real reason for the season.

Red was the predominant color at the home of Jim and Donna Eskins. From the red bow on the rustic wheel barrow at the entrance to the red table cloths and even the red Christmas balls on the deer antlers, there was a warm glow in this home. The elegant tree in the living room sparkled next to a built-in corner cupboard dated 1948.

Cozy fires in the fireplaces at the home of David and Margaret Hambrick conjured up the warmth of Christmas Eve with the table in the formal dining room set for a family dinner. The original architect’s plans for the Queen Anne, National Register listed house brought history to life as did the presence of two grandchildren of Preston Bond Patton, the carpenter who built it. Several other visitors, when shown the office of Dr. Argabrite, the original owner, remarked, “He delivered me!”

Alderson Main Street thanks all the homeowners, Lee and Tammy Skaggs, the Federal Prison Camp Praise and Worship Team, the Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, the many volunteers, and everyone who made this great event possible.