Christmas at Graceland

Christmas at Graceland was always something special. Tradition held that the house and grounds were decorated from early December through Elvis' birthday, January 8th. Christmas trees could be found in the dining room, living room and several other areas of the house.During his first couple of years at Graceland, Elvis decorated the front lawn with a large Santa, sleigh and reindeer. But in the 1060s, he replaced this with a life-size Nativity scene a row of lit aluminum Christmas trees that lined the front of the house and hundreds of blue lights outlining the winding driveway. He used this set-up the rest of his life.
Elvis' generous nature shined during the holiday season, a time he especially enjoyed. Each year, he lavished family, friends and staff with expensive gifts and donated unselfishly to a long list of Memphis area charities.
Choosing a gift for Elvis, the guy with everything, presented a challenge to all. He appreciated presents that related to his hobbies and interests, and especially those representing not a great expense but a special thought.
Humor always thrived among Elvis' inner circle, particularly in the holiday season. Once Elvis overheard members of his entourage speculating about the size of their customary Christmas bonuses. That Christmas Eve, Elvis, never one to pass up the opportunity for a practical joke, handed out the traditional envelopes and mischievously watched jaws drop as dismayed staff members found $5 McDonald's gift certificates instead of their usual generous bonus checks. When everyone realized it was a joke, they all broke out in laughter, especially Elvis.
Today, the Graceland staff continues Elvis' holiday traditions. From the day after Thanksgiving through Elvis' birthday, visitors can enjoy the interior decorations, the orginal Nativity scene and even the old Santa set-up.

Since 1982, Graceland has invited fans to make donations to the Memphis Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation, which sells poinsettias during their annual fund-raiser. The flowers are then placed throughout Graceland.
Graceland Plaza gets the full holiday treatment as well.