The King celebrated Christmas in truly regal style from the very first year at Graceland. Even now, 63 years after he moved into the Memphis mansion, all the drapes in the house are changed from blue to a rich red. The house is decorated just as it was then, with so many lights lining the driveway that the star’s father Vernon joked that incoming pilots might mistake it for the landing strip of the nearby airport.
Elvis loved Christmas so much, the decorations would go up early and stay in place two days later than the traditional January 6th Twelfthnight, so that he could enjoy them on his birthday on January 8.
His family and friends would be treated to extraordinarily lavish gifts, with the star handing out high luxury items like jewellery, fur coats and even cars. He also always gave generous cash ‘bonuses’ to his inner circle every year.
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The whole house was decorated every year, starting with a colourful Nativity scene in the front yard and Christmas wreaths at the stables.
Graceland’s traditional Christmas decorations also include two trees – one in the living room and one in the dining room, poinsettias on the staircase and throughout the house, and decorations in the Pool Room and Jungle Room.
Even the famous monkey in the pool room is given a makeover, with a Santa hat and a red bow.
GO BEHIND THE SCENES AT GRACELAND’S XMAS IN THE VIDEO BELOW – WHICH INCLUDES FOOTAGE OF LISA MARIE’S FIRST XMAS
This year, there is also an official new video for Elvis’ classic seasonal song, Blue Christmas.
It’s the first time since its release that the iconic track has been given an accompanying video, beautifully animated by New York studio MoSoMoS.
The song was originally recorded by Doye O’Dell in 1948 but The King made it an eternal classic by recording it for his 1957 LP Elvis’ Christmas Album.
Graceland is putting on special Christmas tours throughout the festive season this year.
The official announcement said: “This year, guests visiting Graceland on December 1-20, can enjoy special Graceland Christmas tours daily from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
“Our Graceland Christmas tours will feature live tour guides throughout Graceland mansion sharing stories about what it was like to spend Christmas at Graceland with Elvis, and guests will be surrounded by the beauty of Elvis’ traditional holiday decorations, both inside and outside Graceland mansion.
“In addition, the Graceland mansion tour will feature special holiday displays direct from the Graceland Archives.”
OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.graceland.com
Published at Sun, 06 Dec 2020 14:33:00 +0000
Elvis: NEW Christmas video – peak inside the spectacular lavish world of Graceland at Xmas
