Elvis Presley: Graceland expert reveals Nashville hotspots
Elvis Presley loved Christmas and would generously make it a season to remember for his Memphis Mafia and their families. On Christmas Eve, The King’s inner circles would head up to Graceland, sometimes accompanied by celebrities, for an all-night party that would last until 8am on Christmas Day. Now the son of Elvis’ cousin Danny Smith, who was a teenager at the time, has shared just what it was like to spend Christmas with The King.
In a new video from the Memphis Mafia YouTube channel below, Danny said how he and the other kids would play tag; running through the Jungle Room and other famous spots at Graceland.
Elvis’ second cousin said: “We had so many good times! That was some of the funnest times in our lives.”
Christmas at Graceland was not a formal affair with a big sit down dinner, but a casual family gathering.
Danny shared: “Food was out in alot of places around the house. It had everything.”
We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.
On the festive feast, Danny listed the mouthwatering delights on offer: “Ham, turkey, finger sandwiches, chips and dip, punch, Pepsis, desserts. Anything you want!”
Of course, The King wouldn’t arrive at the party himself for some time beforehand, allowing his guests to wait in suspense.
His cousin said: “Elvis would be a while before he would come downstairs.
“Of course that was one of the biggest thrills for everybody, especially for us, waiting for his arrival. It was like…unexplainable. It was just magical.”
https://www.youtube.com/embed/PBx1cdOgSJs
Danny continued: “For us, Christmas started from about the 22nd.
“We didn’t get much sleep and it was wide open!”
The King’s family member then answered a fan question about whether he and the Smiths still listen to Elvis Christmas music.
He enthused: “We sure do! Pretty much all the month of December through January.”
DON’T MISS
Elvis bedroom: Graceland upstairs SECRETS shared by Linda Thompson [ELVIS BEDROOM]
Elvis Presley: Graceland share facts about King’s Las Vegas jumpsuits [GRACELAND]
Elvis Presley: Linda Thompson shares Graceland Jungle Room photos [JUNGLE ROOM]
Danny added: “Love our Christmas Elvis, just puts us in the mood.
“We talk and we share stories about Elvis and always will.”
While Graceland is now a museum open to the public, the Memphis mansion is still decorated each year just as The King had it 50 years ago.
In an official new video, Elvis historian Angie Marchese said: “Elvis loved Christmas. It was always such a magical time of year here at his beloved home here in Memphis.”
The Graceland archivist continued: “Each year the Graceland staff continues Elvis’ same holiday traditions, such as changing the drapes from blue to red.
“Putting up Christmas trees in almost every room and even using the same lawn ornaments to decorate the outside of the mansion.”
Interestingly, Elvis kept the Graceland Christmas decorations up beyond Twelfth Night.
Angie revealed that The King would leave them up until his birthday on January 8, so just a few days after the traditional date of taking them down.
Source: Read Full Article
