Christmas music should only be played after Thanksgiving. The only exception that I make to this rule is for the Fantasy of Trees to benefit East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (ETCH), which begins two days before Thanksgiving and runs through the weekend. Fantasy of Trees has been a Thanksgiving tradition for me since I worked at ETCH in 2000. All proceeds from this year’s show will purchase various equipment for the hospital’s inpatient floors. More details and ticket information can be found here.

The Gala Preview Party opened the event on Tuesday night and is always one of my favorite holiday events. Nothing else gets me ready for the Season like being surrounded by loads of holiday décor, good food, and old friends. This year’s theme of, “No Business Like Snow Business” created a cute winter backdrop for all of the designer items, children’s activities and shops. As always, many trees, wreaths and centerpieces are gorgeous, creative and whimsical. Yet, many are quirky, overdone and, frankly, hideous. If you stop by the show this weekend, do not miss my favorite attraction, the Gingerbread Village.

What other Knoxville Thanksgiving traditions are out there?

For full disclosure, my first grown-up job was in Community Relations department at ETCH and I still work as a PRN employee.

Photography by krisdecurtis