NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — 'Rockin' around the Christmas tree' is a festive favorite and a holiday party staple— but if you ask one Central Arkansas woman, it's a way of life this time of year.
“I ended up having to have foot surgery about 13 years ago and I couldn't decorate my trees. I could get them put up, but couldn't get them decorated. So I started having a tree party. So this is my annual event," explained North Little Rock homeowner Gwen Glasco.
If you ever wondered what the home of one of Santa's helpers might look like, Gwen Glasco's could give you an idea.
One of the most popular Christmas traditions is decorating the tree, and there are plenty to go around at her house!
For over a decade now, Glasco has invited a team of friends and family over to decorate the dozens of trees throughout her three-story home.
Everyone she knows comes from near and far to get in on the Christmas cheer, making it one big competition that's judged!
“This is a party. We eat first, and then they choose teams, and then they get to work and I must say they [decorators] did a phenomenal job this year," Glasco said.
From a room decked out in traditional holiday decor to a winter wonderland-themed room, your path will then lead you over to a fir with fur.
“The bear room. I started collecting bears years and years ago and when the girls [her daughters] started getting bears from the suitors at the time. They also donated me bears, so in this room are the decorations that you see. I'm the only one that's going to touch the bear tree, those bears are special to me," Glasco described.
Every tree has its special place. Need to freshen up in the bathroom? A tree is there to greet you. How about playing some pool? Not without bumping into some pine needles.
From trees of steel to a Pittsburgh Steelers tree, there's something for everyone to enjoy!
And if you’ve tried to keep count of how many that is at this point, Glasco said there are around 145 varieties of trees in her home.
"You're not going to stop? No, No, I can but I won't," Glasco said.
She added that putting up these trees is truly her way of spreading love and cheer to her friends, family, and community.
Glasco’s decorating companion, Wanda Ashely, makes it her duty to show up yearly, a tradition that started over a decade ago with her late husband. She said they originally started with just a few people and now the group has grown to over 30.
“I had a friend who was going to give this tree to Goodwill and I said no before you do that, let me check with my friend and she may want to add that to her collection," Ashley said, pointing out a tree in Glasco's home.
Ashley added that for any Scrooge out there, a place like Glasco’s could truly uplift even the lowest of spirits.
“It's like a Christmas wonderland. And it's so special that it's like a museum," Ashley said.
Glasco's home has become more than a sanctuary and place to gather— it’s become a place to remember.
“I am a people person. I've taught school for 41 years, and I miss the people more so than the classroom. I miss the children, but it's the co-workers that I had. And the first big party I had here, it was my co-workers at Martin Luther King School," Glasco said.
Behind all of the tinsel, ornaments, and bows is a gift of her own that’s priceless.
“The legacy is not so much the trees, not so much the decorations, but the love that you share with other people. If I could spread joy in the smallest way because this is nothing, you know, I have time to do this," Glasco said. "I just try to do my part.”
