Step back in time, with a visit to Hildene in Manchester, Vermont. Throughout the month of December, the Lincoln family home is cheerfully decorated as though it were Christmas Eve 1912 – one of three dates Mary and Robert Lincoln were in residence for the holidays at their beloved Hildene. As guests make their way up the snowy path to the house from the Welcome Center in the historic carriage barn, they may very well hear the magnificent swell of Christmas carols emanating from the more than 900 pipes of the family’s grand Aeolian organ.
Opening the front door, they will be greeted by a 10’ tall Christmas tree, laden with strings of beads and popcorn, vintage ornaments and candles. The scent of balsam fills the air, as fresh greens adorn every room and fires crackle in the fireplaces. On weekends, talented musicians play both the organ and Steinway piano while guests stroll through the house at their leisure.
(A schedule can be found at .) In each room, it appears as though someone from the household has only just stepped out of the room. In the staff dining room, for example, they have been busy stringing popcorn and cranberries, making ornaments, and playing games while waiting for pies to cool in the kitchen across the hall.
In the grandchildren’s room, Bud has been decorating his own little tree and making figures for the manger scene on his mantel piece. Mary has been answering Christmas cards while her daughters have been catching up over tea and gingerbread co.
