Christmas at the Biltmore

     __By Tiffany Amber Stockton__

In November, I introduced you to two American royal families—the Vanderbilts and the Rockefellers. This month, it's all about a Christmas Eve celebration at a grand estate.

I also apologize again for the lack of the post photos. Google is still giving me a fit about my account connected to this blog and despite logging in, it's telling me I need to sign in. (sigh) If I figure it out, I'll come back and add photos. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the story. 😊

The Biltmore Estate: A Grand Vision Come to Life

On Christmas Eve in 1895, George Vanderbilt, grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, welcomed friends and family into his opulent new home for the very first time. The unveiling of the Biltmore Estate marked the culmination of a grand dream that began in 1888 when George first visited Asheville, North Carolina. Captivated by the region’s breathtaking mountain scenery, he began purchasing land, eventually amassing 125,000 acres for what would become his iconic estate.

Designed by renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt, the Biltmore Estate took six years to complete. The construction process was as ambitious as the vision itself, requiring its own brick factory, woodworking shops, and even a private railway to transport building materials. The result was a majestic 250-room French Renaissance chateau, which still holds the title of the largest privately owned home in the United States. Spanning 175,000 square feet—more than 4 acres of floor space—the mansion boasts 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces, a testament to Vanderbilt’s eye for both luxury and scale. I don't know about you, but I certainly wouldn't want to be the one cleaning all those rooms!

Despite its grandeur, the estate boasted some rather innovative forestry practices, with George ensuring the preservation of its natural beauty. After George’s death in 1914, his wife, Edith Vanderbilt, carried on his conservation legacy by selling 87,000 acres of the estate to the federal government, laying the foundation for Pisgah National Forest.

A Christmas to Remember

Although George Vanderbilt moved into the Biltmore House in October 1895, the estate’s official debut was reserved for Christmas Eve. Preparations for the holiday were nothing short of extraordinary. From scouting the perfect mistletoe and holly to selecting a towering Christmas tree worthy of the Banquet Hall, no detail was overlooked. Estate manager Charles McNamee and horticulturist Chauncey Beadle agreed that a 20-foot tree wouldn’t suffice, ultimately choosing a much larger one to suit the grandeur of the space.

When George’s family arrived, including his mother, siblings, and their children, they were greeted by the spectacular tree, adorned with gifts for estate workers and surrounded by tables piled high with presents for the family. Stockings were hung, plum puddings and mince pies were served, and the grand Banquet Hall became the heart of the festivities.

The celebration included elegant dinners around the 40-foot table, with George’s niece Gertrude noting in her Dinner Books that 27 Vanderbilt family members attended. It was the largest family gathering since George’s father’s passing a decade earlier. Adding to the holiday magic, Maria Louisa Vanderbilt read ’Twas the Night Before Christmas to the children, and the family exchanged gilded, jewel-encrusted Christmas cards—a fitting touch for such an opulent occasion.

The first Christmas at the Biltmore blended grandeur with heartfelt traditions, setting the tone for a legacy of holiday splendor that endures to this day, with as many as 5,000 visitors on their busiest day and evening.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN:

* If you could spend Christmas at the Biltmore Estate, what would you be most excited to see or experience?

* The Biltmore Estate is known for its grandeur and sustainability efforts. Which aspect of its history fascinates you most: its architectural feat, conservation legacy, or holiday traditions? Why?

* Imagine hosting a Christmas dinner in a historic mansion like the Biltmore. What traditions or details would you include to make it unforgettable?



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Come back on the 9th of each month for my next foray into historical tidbits to share.

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BIO

Tiffany Amber Stockton has embellished stories since childhood, thanks to a very active imagination and notations of talking entirely too much. Honing those skills led her to careers as an award-winning, best-selling author and speaker, while also working as a professional copywriter/copyeditor. She loves to share life-changing products and ideas with others to help improve their lives in a variety of ways, but especially from the inside out.

Currently, she lives with her husband and fellow author, Stuart Vaughn Stockton, along with their two children, one dog, and three cats in southeastern Kentucky. In her 20+ years as a professional writer, she has sold twenty-six (26) books so far and has agent representation with Tamela Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. You can find her on Facebook and GoodReads.

The History of North Carolina by Donna Schlachter with giveaway

Please note: all images from https://abc11.com/community-events/celebrating-all-things-north-carolina-on-this-special-day/2464339/


Today is National North Carolina Day.

But wait…before you folks who live in or were born in North Carolina make plans for a parade and a paid holiday—every state has their own special date. So while you may celebrate ALL things North Carolina-ish today, you will have to join in with the same fervor as the other forty-nine states roll around on their special day.

Here are eleven things you may not know about North Carolina:

- It became the twelfth state to ratify the US Constitution on November 12, 1789

- It was the first state to establish a state symphony and state museum of art

- Estimated population 2024: 10,975,017

- Fort Bragg, NC is the largest military base in the country, housing more than 50,000 active duty personnel

- North Carolina produces more than half the sweet potatoes grown in the US

- In 1893, “Brad’s Drink” made its debut in New Bern, NC, and five years later, was renamed Pepsi-Cola

- The nation’s tallest lighthouse calls North Carolina home, along with six other coastal lighthouses.

- Most of the state now known as Tennessee was once part of North Carolina

- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the oldest public university in the country, opened in 1795

- The state earned the nickname of “The Good Roads State” in the 1920s, and currently maintains the second-largest system of roads in the country

- The Charlotte Speedway hosted the first official NASCAR stock race on June 14, 1949

 

 

Other items of note include the fact that the state has produced the most number of Nobel laureates in the nation, and the Wright Brothers tested their first flight there. In 1901, with a mind to reducing illiteracy in the state, a Literary and Historical Association was formed.

But what of the history behind the state? In 1584, Queen Elizabeth 1 of England commissioned Sir Walter Raleigh to establish the state. Which he did, encompassing much of Tennessee within its boundaries while he was at it.

Since 1792, Southport and Oak Island have been the site of many festivities.

In 1860, North Carolina occupied the headlines of the country and the mind of President Abraham Lincoln. About one-third of the population of the state were slaves who fought for their freedom, led by their beloved president.

In 1895, the Vanderbilt family built the nation’s largest private home, with around 250 rooms. It now serves as a museum and refuge for turn-of-the-century artwork, furnishings, and decorum.

As you can imagine, having a National Day of Observance for any state can be overwhelming to keep straight on your calender. But you can be sure that if you visit North Carolina any day of the year, you won’t be disappointed.



Enter a giveaway to win a free ebook copy of Recipe for Disaster. Answer this question: Would you travel to a state simply because it was their National Day on the National Days calendar? Don’t forget to leave your cleverly disguised email address so we can get in touch if you win. For example: donna AT livebytheword DOT com



About Recipe for Disaster: A spinster sister, left behind by her four younger sisters, feels unwanted and unneeded. But when three orphans and a wounded soldier turn up on her doorstep, her life takes on new meaning.

A man in search of his family—has he found them at last? But something isn’t quite right.

Can God weave these five lives into something beautiful for His glory, or will half-truths and missing memories create a recipe for disaster?

Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMGFKVKN and the rest of the Series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGM7Q2GM

About Donna:

 

A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter. She is taking all the information she’s learned along the way about the writing and publishing process, and is coaching committed writers. Learn more at https://www.donnaschlachter.com/the-purpose-full-writer-coaching-programs Check out her coaching group on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604220861766651

Connecting Online:

www.DonnaSchlachter.com Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive 2 free ebooks simply for signing up for our free newsletter!

www.DonnaSchlachter.com/blog

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Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-schlachter

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The Purpose-Full Writer: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604220861766651

Need a writing coach? https://www.donnaschlachter.com/the-purpose-full-writer-coaching-programs


Resources:

https://abc11.com/community-events/celebrating-all-things-north-carolina-on-this-special-day/2464339/

https://nationaltoday.com/national-north-carolina-day/ Fun video of other September holidays

https://www.ncrabbithole.com/p/national-north-carolina-day-made-up-holiday