This evening at 6 p.m., CST, the tree lighting ceremony will be held at Graceland. John Stamos, who as you probably know is a huge Elvis Fan will be the one to flip the switch.
Ha, I had this exact same poster when I was a teen. It also hung on my closet door.
I would love to be there. I’ve never been to Graceland during the Christmas holidays, but some day, I plan to go. I would imagine it is an exciting, special time. And Graceland is beautiful when it’s decorated for Christmas. For those who can’t make it, like me, you can view it live this evening at this link:
new.livestream.com/elvispresleygraceland
The decorations they use are the same ones that Elvis used decades ago. Christmas was one of Elvis’ favorite times of year, and he went all out for the holiday, not only in decorating and spending time with those he loved, but in the gifts he bought for others. He was known for being extremely generous and loved sharing his good fortune with others. However, in 1971, when it was time to give gifts to his friends, employees, and family, he passed out envelopes to each of them. Inside was a 50 cent McDonald’s gift certificate. Elvis allowed them to suffer for just a few minutes before he let them in on the joke and passed out the real gifts, mostly envelopes with cash. (In all fairness, 50 cents would buy a hamburger, fries, and a coke in 1971. :))
Christmas 1967. Vernon as Santa Claus
Can you imagine spending Christmas with Elvis???? Wow. What an amazing experience that must have been.
I will talk more about Elvis and Christmas when it’s closer to the actual holiday (I know, I know, you can’t wait! :)), but I thought I’d touch on the topic because of this evening’s ceremony.
(Coming January 8, 2015, End of Lonely Street – A Vintage Romance short story from The Wild Rose Press)
Author Alicia Dean 
Thanks for the link! Looking forward to seeing your story in January –
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You’re welcome…thank you!
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I ALWAYS enjoy your posts about being an Elvis fan! Especially this time of year. Unlike so many these days….he certainly remembered the reason for the season….Jesus Christ!!! I am blown away by your Elvis knowledge! How can you retain SO much info about him & still have the brain power to write such amazing books???
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Yes, I know that Elvis remembered the reason too. Ha, I don’t retain ‘all’ of the info. Usually I remember some little detail or hear something on Elvis radio and then research to get my facts straight. 🙂 Thanks for the ‘amazing books’ comment, sis. Love you! 😉
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Why am I NOT surprised Elvis loved Christmas? All the things he was about: sparkle, music, giving, hob-nobbing with friends and I’m pretty sure Elvis always kept in mind the spiritual background of the holiday. GREAT post
!
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Right, it does sound like a very ‘Elvis’ thing to love, doesn’t it? Thank you so much!!!
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