Not far from our home, in lovely Asheville, North Carolina, stands historic Biltmore Estate.
In 1895, George Vanderbilt had the 250 room home that has 4 acres of floor space constructed. It was a marvel then and it is to this day.
Every Christmas, adults will pay $70 to walk through and look at stuff in and around the estate.

In order to offset holiday expenses and to begin saving for my gold-plated carriage pulled by a team of unicorns, I have decided to also open my home for Christmas tours. See the list of some of the attractions and features below:

ESTATE
House
The house was built in 1901 by some guy and his friends. During its construction that took time, certainly someone became thirsty and someone else fetched water from the old well. That person who was thirsty, became happy again and went back to work at some point. The house was finally completed and there it stood and still stands. Today, it needs some paint on the outside but still possesses the same charm that guy first intended.
Sometimes, the current resident will sit on the front patio and play olde tyme songs on his non-Martin guitar.
To even listen: $50

Grounds
On the sprawling 24-acres, you will find lots of trees that are tall. They are also mostly made of wood and leaves. A few original agricultural-esque buildings still stand. Some are even sort of leaning!
Feel free to wander the land and take in the sights.
To take in sights: $50

For the Kids
What family is complete without a few little ones running about? Meet our kids and experience the magic.
Our children are very kind and have been instructed how to make correct change.
To engage children: $50/child (6 child minimum to avoid jealous outbreak)

Christmas Festiveness
What trip to our estate would be complete without enjoying a taste of Christmas magic? While visiting, you will enjoy seeing a Christmas tree (decorated with 1 strand of lights for efficiency and because that’s all we had! – feel free to make it an interactive experience by leaving gifts!), stockings hung by the chimney with care, a few Santa sculptures (none kneeling at the manger here!) and some burning candles.
Sometimes, Santa Claus himself will make a visit. It really depends on Gary (plays the role of St. nick), his schedule and if he is willing to dye his hair again. Last time, we had to use Clorox and some got in his mouth while we were on the patio. He said that it “tasted like burning” and he has been tough to reach here of late. But don’t let that keep you from waiting in line to see him!
To enjoy Christmas: $50
To enjoy Santa (if Gary shows): $175

ADMISSION
Cost
For your convenience, there is only one fee!
Newborn – almost deceased: $70 per person
Pets are allowed for small fee of only $68 per non-edible animal.
(Admission price is in addition to the attraction prices that were conveniently listed above.)

Happy Christmas and we hope to see you soon!
Please make reservations in the comment section.

Check out these selected posts from the KevinKeigley.com archive.

Are you tired of the same old Christmas songs year after year after year?
Do you want to mix up the Christmas playlist a little bit?
Do you like Indie music?
Do you want me to come over and make a turkey sandwich?
If you answered “yes” to at least 3 of those questions, then you need to read on.

Because I pay attention to what is happening over at the Yellow Bird Project, I was made aware of this musical effort.  The album, For Folk’s Sake it’s Christmas, is a melodious endeavour to raise money for the Integrated Cancer Centre at King’s College London.  All profits from album sales will help fund cancer research and help provide quality cancer services to patients.
The amazing thing about this whole effort is the following — you pay what you want for the album.
That’s right.
You can pay the minimal amount which is ₤1 — which equals about $1.56 (but, come on).
Or, you can pay $1,000 or more.
Either way, whatever you choose to spend, you get this amazing and unique album.
The artists on the album donated their time and skills to make it possible.  You may have heard of some of them or none of them, but I can guarantee that this music will make you stop, listen and enjoy the holidays in a whole new way.
There are so many great tunes, both old and new, but few bits if ear candy that I truly savoured are the following: “I Saw Three Ships” by Wise Children, “I Am Christmas” by Laura Hocking, “In the Bleak Midwinter/Lonely This Christmas” by Sam Airey, and the very Leonard Cohen-esque “Another Messy Christmas” by Dan Michaelson.
So — listen and give.
Merry Christmas from me — enjoy For Folk’s Sake it’s Christmas and support a great cause and maybe change a life or two in the process.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a Christmas tree this time of year?  The other evening, as I passed a lonely and dismal tree lot, I counted my blessings that I am not a Christmas tree.  It just so happens that there were actually ten blessings I counted — and here is why there were ten sweet, sweet blessings:

1. The very instant I am finally having the time of my life, someone would come out with a saw and cut me down with much brutality.
2. No one could hear me scream or tell great jokes.
3. Riding in a truck bed, doing 60 mph in freezing temperatures while my needles are being ripped off is no way to ride.
4. Upon arrival at the Christmas tree marketplace, a guy would hack away at my severed trunk to “even me out.”
5. I would be placed among the other dying trees that no one can hear while they are screaming or telling relevant holiday jokes.
6. People would walk by and shake their heads at me in a disapproving manner.
7. Some drunk guy on Christmas eve would cuss something at me in a angry fashion, then I would be bound up, placed again in a cold truck bed, and sent down the frozen road.
8. Once in their ramshackle trailer, more limbs would be hacked off, then screws would be twisted into my base as I am positioned carefully between a Confederate flag and a nativity scene made of plastic.
9. I would be adorned with burdensome trinkets of varying sizes and varying Happy Meal toys.
10. a) I would either die of thirst and spontaneously explode or  b) slowly die of thirst and be set along the road only to be picked up by yet another truck that will take me to the junkyard.

What would be the worst thing to happen to you if you were, in fact, a Christmas tree at Christmastime?

Torch songs are not typically acquainted with Christmas music.  This year, I appeal to you, add this music to your holiday playlist.  Over the Rhine is awesome for numerous reasons.
Is it because they are from Ohio?  Yes.
Is it because they are a husband and wife band?  Yes.
Is it because they make incredibly delicious ear candy?  Yes.

This pair of musicians, pianist/guitarist/bassist Linford Detweiler and vocalist/guitarist Karin Bergquist, produce some of the most heartfelt, raw, soulful, forlorn music of which I am aware.  There are two Christmas tunes that I would highly recommend, especially if you are aching.  They are “All I Ever Get for Christmas is Blue” and “Darlin’ (Christmas is Coming),” both from the album Snow Angels.
Be forewarned — these songs can cause one to wallow in pain in misery during an otherwise delightful and restorative season of Christmas.  So if you feel as though you are covered in the muck and mire of the pain and misery in which you wallowed earlier, turn on some Nat King Cole or Judy Garland for an instant lift.  If that doesn’t work, hit the eggnog.
I hate eggnog.

Do you have some go-to Christmas music that is like an arrow through the heart?
Are there some Christmas tunes that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face?
Is there a song, that when you hear it, you are instantly transported to a certain place and time?  Where and what?

One of the best things in the world: Christmas morning with your family
One of the worst things in the world: having a mountain man detach your leg with his knife and then use your limb as a club