Visions of sugarplums may not be dancing in their heads, but the minds of organizers of the 10th annual IODE Christmas House Tour are likely in Christmas overdrive these days.
The tour takes place Nov. 22, and members of the Garnet Brackin IODE anticipate 600-plus people sneaking peeks into the homes on the tour.
All houses are done up to the max in Christmas themes on their main floors, and around their front entranceways.
Chatham Mazda from Chatham Voice on Vimeo.
Wendy Trahan is responsible for all the glitter, swag and fun at one of the homes on the tour. Trahan works at the Glass House Nursery, one of the sponsors of the tour.
“I’m a landscape designer during the season,” she said. “Then we jump into Christmas. It’s a fun change; totally different.
“I’ve done eight houses for the IODE over the years.”
Setting up the houses involves putting up several Christmas trees, decorating mantles, adding garland hither and yon, putting Christmas place settings on the dining room table, as well as decorating around the front entrance.
Marianne Johnstone of the IODE, said the work of the likes of Trahan, as well as the support from sponsors, is greatly appreciated.
The funds raised from this event go towards a number of IODE projects, Johnstone said.
“We like to keep the money local.”
That includes providing bursaries to high school students, sending kids to camp and promoting education for children.
In regards to the homes on the tour, Johnstone said people contact the IODE to offer up their homes for use. Quite often, the tour showcases homes of various sizes and age, which works well.
“Some people like the ones that are like their homes,” she said. “They get ideas that way.”
