Holy Jingle Bells, Batman!

We're celebrating our 20th!  It's hard to believe that we've been married that long.  It's been a great ride.  There have been lots of ups and downs, but we're always trending upwards.  Speaking of rides, I faced my long-time fear of roller coasters.  More about that later.

We started our 20th Celebration Vacation in Pigeon Forge, TN where we stayed at the Inn at Christmas Place.  All the halls (and rooms) were decked out for Christmas.  I'm tempted to go back in December just to see what they could possibly add to the decor.

Here's what I loved about this place:

• The grounds were beautiful and well maintained.
• I slept in 'heavenly peace' because the beds and pillows were divine.
• The staff was attentive, friendly and sometimes jolly - there were a few Santa sightings.
• There were lots of little homey touches, like: lemonade available throughout the day, daily chocolate kisses from housekeeping, chestnuts roasting on an open fire (not really), and freshly baked cookies in the evening.
• The breakfast choices were overwhelming and amazingly delicious.  I was so delighted to learn that figgy pudding is NOT a breakfast item, but pecan pie is!

Here's the front door where you are always greeted by smiling and helpful doormen, sometimes up to three of them!

There are lots of displays like this one throughout the inn where you're encouraged to take 'elfies'.  This isn't exactly an 'elfie' but you get the idea.

You can buy Christmas decor year round in their shops across the street.  If you're ever looking for a nativity in June, this is the place to go.  Or, you can just check out their website.  Beware, the cool-looking blue and white nativity that looks like it was made in Holland was really made in China.  So disappointing!

Back to the shops, there's also a whole room devoted to Department 56.

For just $240.00, you can have your own Downton Abbey mansion!

For all you Christmas Story movie fans, did you know that there's a Department 56 village based on that movie?  But beware, it's fra-gi-le!

There's also a life-size version of the lamp for that special guy in your family!  But seriously, you must stay at the Inn at Christmas Place if you ever find yourself in Pigeon Forge!

Here's my first every trip advisor review, with the same title as this post.