The Simmons’ Stable Preservation Foundation had been decorating the outside of the barn since before Thanksgiving but last weekend everything really kicked into high gear.

It was all hands on deck and, despite the cold, volunteers were hard at work. Scattered about the barn were more wreaths and lights than one could even begin to imagine. Everyone was getting ready for the fifth annual “Christmas at the Stable” which was Sunday, Dec. 8.

On Saturday, Laura Mackey hung ornaments on the main Christmas tree where the musical performances would be while Blossoms and Blooms prepared Santa’s stall. 

Blossoms and Blooms has been coming up with themes for the Santa stall every year since it first began, completely decking it out with items from their shop and some clever craftsmanship.

“We love being involved with stuff in our community,” says floral designer Ashley Schafer. 

So when the volunteers at Simmons’ invited them to be a part of their event, it was a no-brainer.

Taking inspiration from their displays within the store, themes they find on the internet, and some good old-fashioned brainstorming, Blossoms and Blooms tries to make every year unique. 

“This year we did a gingerbread theme and made it more traditional instead of whimsical,” says Schafer. 

The first “Christmas at the Stable” was in 2019, when a picturesque blanket of snow covered the grounds. 

“People showed up in their coveralls; you should have seen it, it was more fun,” remembers Bobette Wilson, co-president of Simmons’ Stable Preservation Foundation. “People would come in and say, ‘It’s like a Hallmark Card.”

While the snow made for some wonderful pictures, it threw a wrench in some of the activities planned like the sleigh rides.

“We couldn’t have the horses because we were afraid something would happen to them,” says Wilson.

In the years following, the winters were mild enough that they were able to have horses drawing the very same sleigh that runs in the holiday parade. This year, the two-horse open sleigh was pulled by the “ice cream dream team” Ben and Jerry. 

These sleigh rides are completely free but in years past it was $2. Everything changed when Wilson and her husband noticed there were families who simply couldn’t afford to join in the fun.

“Last year my husband was standing out there with the horses when a grandmother and a little boy came and he took off for the horses and she said, ‘No, we can’t afford it,” says Wilson. 

Her husband simply couldn't let that happen and made sure the little boy got his sleigh ride. On their way home last year, Wilson looked at her husband and decided this needed to be a free event so everyone could enjoy themselves. 

Just inside the barn next to the long line of families waiting to get their pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus was a long table filled with hot chocolate and cookies.

“We’ve made 15 gallons of hot chocolate today,” says Co-President Mary Littrell.

The barn was packed with people, but it was also warm and full of song; everyone was in the holiday spirit happy to have somewhere to be with their family.

“Oh I hope they just keep coming,” says Wilson smiling ear to ear as she holds the door for more guests. “I just want them to keep coming.”