We're Visiting You This Christmas: Touring KC

 A  CHRISTMAS HOMES TOUR TALE

Some decorations require an explanation. Here is one: "This is Buster. He was acquired on 46 and Troost in 2021. He then endured major surgery on his tail and teeth. He got a makeover by a man named Tommy who paints mortorcycles locally."

Many a way there is to add to the Christmas experience. Giving to charities, taking a child to visit Santa Claus, inhaling a REAL fir tree, making sugar cookies and going on a Christmas homes tour!

Now admit it. Everyone enjoys peeking into other people’s homes to see how they live. A homes tour, where proceeds usually go to a charity or neighborhood project, give one the opportunity to spy/observe out in the open with no guilt. And tours are even better during the Christmas holiday season.

This time of year, homes inside and out are layered with pine scented garlands, festive lights, decorated Christmas trees and special family touches. Those touches can be a photo on the mantel of grandpa and grandma sitting by the fireplace some 60 years ago, a fire still burning warmly and brightly this cold gray afternoon. Often it is ornaments hanging on the tree that commemorate a vacation or baby’s first Christmas.

So Cutest and I fired up our V-8 sleigh and drove to Pendleton Heights, a neighborhood nestled in the old Northeast area of Kansas City. For the 16th consecutive year, folks from here have invited strangers into their homes to share how they make their abodes Christmasy and to help support their charitable causes. The area, according to their website, boasts Kansas City’s first boulevard, three city parks, one of only two nationally-listed urban scenic byways, and the largest collection of true Victorian homes in the city.

Four homes were on this year’s list, with one of the four being three adjoineing apartments. The three young female tenants told us they loved living there, had plenty of room and companionship when desired and their homes had personal touches that we could appreciate.

The following three homes really had the wow factor, each built at the beginning of the 20th century or slightly before. A stately castle sitting high on the northeast bluffs commands a view, especially after the leaves have fallen, of the women’s soccer stadium and the river flowing behind it. Inside, walnut and oak trim and touches of stained glass exuded old world charm, right here in river city. A live, wood burning stone fireplace, family elves sitting atop the steam radiator and Tiffany lamps all melded together to put us in a cozy mood.

Just a short walk down the block, we found a turreted home guarded by a life sized nut- cracker soldier at the front door. Once again inside, stained glass, garland draped stair-rails and whimsical holiday touches vied for our attention.

Across the street sat our last home to investigate. Two stone lions, complete with holiday deer antlers guarded the arched entrance. From the third floor balcony, a surprising view of downtown Kansas City was seen, even though clouds and fog muted the details - actually adding to the vibe of the day.

As a fun twist to the day’s adventure, there was a “Where’s Waldo” hunt. Each home had W. Man lurking within the interior. Occasionally he was well hidden while at other times, Cutest and I were blind as old world fruit bats to his obvious presence. If you found all six, you could claim your prize cookie or brownie back at the starting point.

Many holiday home tours have been available to enjoy through December. Dress warmly, take a container of hot chocolate or coffee with you and get out there and mingle with a jingle while you can.  In just a few weeks, the January doldrums could, just could, begin!

P.S. Put these on your calendars for NEXT year since they're already Christmas past:

The Kappa Kappa Gama Holiday Tour, the Excelsior Springs Historic Homes Tour, St. Theresa's Academy Homes Tour, Excelsior Springs Holiday Tour, Weston Historic Holiday Homes Tour, Olathe Historic Homes Tour, and we're sure there are others. Most seem to occur in late November or early December. We all need to sometimes plan ahead.