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The finished Christmas tree and decorated fireplace in the Pool House Lodge living room at dusk

How Our Mom Gets Pool House Lodge Ready for Christmas

By Published

Pool House Lodge in Hocking Hills, Ohio, has been a family project from the start. As the lodge came together, Mom showed up, worked alongside us, and told us what she thought. When it’s time to decorate for Christmas, the first rule is simple. Ask Mom. Before anything goes up, she has to give it her okay. She wants it to feel special for the families who come to stay with us.

Decorating day with Mom

Mom pulls up a chair so she can work on the branches she can reach. The tree takes about five hours, and somebody still has to get up the ladder with that big red bow. Who helps changes from year to year. For our family, it’s about keeping this tradition going with Mom for as long as we can.

Mom sitting beside the lit Christmas tree and adjusting its branches
Mom starts on the lower branches.
Mom and two helpers working around the lit Christmas tree
Decorating together, with the ladder and ornaments close by.
A helper on a ladder placing a large red bow on the Christmas tree while Mom looks on
The big red bow goes on top.
Mom reaching up to place a snowflake decoration on the window
Snowflakes on the glass while there’s still fall color outside.

Even the porch bears get dressed up

Mom decorates all three floors of the lodge, and she remembers the front porch, too. Look down when you come in. Even our three wooden bears get dressed up for Christmas.

Three carved welcome bears with Christmas decorations outside the lodge

When it all comes together

Once the ladder’s put away, we get to see what Mom had in mind all along. The stockings are up, the tree is lit, and the room is ready for the next family to make themselves at home.

Christmas stockings, garland, and nutcrackers around the lit stone fireplace
Stockings and nutcrackers at the fireplace.

Hot chocolate comes out just for Christmas

If you’re staying with us at Christmas, help yourself to hot chocolate. We only set it out this time of year, and the marshmallows and candy canes are right there next to it.

Jars of cocoa, marshmallows and candy canes at the holiday hot chocolate station

When is Pool House Lodge decorated for Christmas?

Christmas decorations at Pool House Lodge are usually up from mid-November through early January. The exact dates vary from year to year.

Check availability Explore Hocking Hills in December

Originally published .