Photo by Cindy Cotte Griffiths

As a National Historic Place, Rockville’s Glenview Mansion already receives much acclaim as a very picturesque property. When decorated for the holidays, its appeal flourishes even more.

The annual tradition of decorating the Mansion’s 15 rooms and numerous halls attracts nearly 3,000 people each year. As part of a wonderful community effort, fourteen community groups, from the Girl Scouts to local artists, have decorated trees and created holiday displays for your viewing pleasure.

During December the Glenview Mansion Art Gallery on the second floor features the Rockville Art League Winter Show in addition to the holiday decorations. The Art Gallery is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Check before visiting to ensure there are no private events scheduled.

If you’re like me, the holiday spirit is nowhere near. Visiting the Mansion, especially during the special Sunday programs in December, might bring about a more festive attitude.

The Sunday Open Houses include entertainment and activities from 1 to 4 PM on December 5, 12 and 19, 2010. Visitors can enjoy live holiday music, featuring choral groups, jazz performances, and classical hand bells.

Free Holiday Open House Schedule:

Sunday, December 5

“Art, Music and Holiday Cheer” along with the Art Gallery Opening Reception from the Rockville Art League Winter Show. Awards for juried show presented at an awards ceremony beginning at 2 PM.
1:15 PM The Supertonics
2:15 PM The Rockville Singers
3:15 PM The Heavenly Handbells of Trinity Lutheran Church

Sunday, December 12

“Children’s Sunday” includes visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus, Frosty and Rudolph. There will also be a variety of craft activities for children throughout the afternoon.
1:15 PM Richard Montgomery High School Madrigals
2:15 PM Watkins Mill Chamber Singers
3:15 PM Home School Talents and a sing-along

Sunday, December 19

“Music and Merriment”
1:15 PM Heart of Maryland Chorus – Sweet Adelines
2:15 PM The Encore Singers
3:15 PM Victorian Lyric Opera Company

Thanks, Chas!

Happiest of holidays to our wonderful readers. We will see you again in the New Year. Unless we surprise you in the meantime.

It looks like Santa’s got some stealthy help here.

Just the other morning, with the air so cooooooold, I noticed this lone spider still atop my good friends’ home. Looks like it came for Halloween and is staying for a few holidays!

I hope it stays; it makes me happy to see it.

Driving home from dropping my daughter off at the bus yesterday, I noticed a neighbor was the first on the block to decorate up! In the dim morning light, the house looked pretty dramatic, methought.

I just couldn’t resist this end-of-Halloween photo . . . I ran across these ghoulish sunbathers on a sunny Saturday run!

This is one unlucky bunny.

Still in my “doorway phase.” It’s like these two are guarding the package between them (See it?).

I love this vibrant yellow door.

I wonder if this little fellow will get caught and end up a statistic in our police blotters?

This bonus holiday POTD is our gift to you.

Season’s Greetings!

(With apologies to Annie Fortescue Harrison and Meta Ored.) This is our own Beall-Dawson House, with just a subtle hint of holiday on the outside, decorated inside! You should go look at it this season. I love the lamplight.

(Actually, it’s not in the “gloaming.” It’s whatever the opposite of that word is. But I love the sound of it so . . . yeah.)

(With apologies to Bring It On.) I could not resist stopping when I saw this little guy all bundled up for the weather.

(With apologies to Tom Petty.) This title only makes sense if you know that I took this photo a couple of weeks ago and have been sitting on it, impatiently, until I could run it today. It is, to me, the perfect pan-holiday use of a pumpkin.

(With apologies to . . . well, you know.) See what can happen in these dangerous times?