Volunteers Deck Reynolda House Halls

By Sandy Carter
December 12, 2025

As the holidays approached with their usual speed, busy volunteer elves descended on the halls of Reynolda House to sprinkle lights, color, and joy. Melanie Cameron, a docent since 2020, was one of that number. She graciously shared some of her favorite things about this unique experience.

Melanie’s docent training came at a challenging time. She was a member of the Spring 2020 class. Of course, that was when the world shut down at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Not to be deterred, these devoted docents-in-training gave their final presentations via Zoom! Melanie loves volunteering at Reynolda. She calls it her “happy place.”  She loves the positivity, light, and the uplifting of spirits that this community shares.

Despite having served for five years as a docent, this was Melanie’s first opportunity to participate in holiday decorating. Duties include fluffing the trees, stringing the lights, and hanging the ornaments. Melanie described the ornaments as special in that they reflect an older time and style. Some of the “creepy little faces” and “scary clowns” are unexpected, but colorful! Melanie loves the way the simple, tasteful décor reminds visitors of a homey celebration that children would feel welcome to enjoy…just what Katharine Reynolds envisioned for her family.

 A fun perk to the task of decking the halls is a behind-the-scenes peek at R.J. Reynolds’s personal bathroom. Because decorating his study necessitates going “behind the velvet rope,” the elves were allowed to see into the normally closed-off room. This inquiring mind wanted to know how it looked. Melanie reported that the bathroom features a striking design: bright red wallpaper patterned with cream-colored polo players, wrapping the walls and even extending across the ceiling. Additionally, observing the study from behind the imposing desk provided an interesting perspective.

While the details of the house arrayed for Christmas are beautiful, Melanie said her favorite part of the experience was interacting with other volunteers in a new way. The wonderful blend of old and new perspectives, past and current decorations, and the communal warmth of a cup of cocoa to celebrate a job well done, all combined to create the festive feeling of having been invited to celebrate the season with the Reynolds family over 100 years ago.

In that spirit, from the beautiful Historic Reynolda, we wish a joyous holiday season to all!