The annual Trees of Christmas at Meridian's Merrehope and F. W. Williams House will run from Nov. 20 to Jan. 2, but will be closed on actual holidays. This tradition is always a sure sign of the arrival of the holidays.

The antebellum home Merrehope and the Victorian F.W. Williams home are decorated and all ready for the kickoff of the 41st Annual Trees of Christmas.

Coordinator Betty Lou Jones says this year's theme is "A Global Christmas" and will depict holiday traditions from around the world.

"This is a global world that we live in, a global world for our children to learn about," said Jones. "We wanted to have an educational tour and one that is entertaining and one that is beautiful."

There is a tree in every room, but that isn't all. Every room in Merrehope and the Williams home is decorated entirely based on cultures and traditions in other countries.

"There are over 21 different trees that are decorated from different countries," said Jones. "This is the Americana tree behind me which represents America, our home. Every continent is represented."

A candle light gala will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday Nov. 19, to kick things off. The cost is $25.00 per person.

The tours will be from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, beginning Nov. 20. The cost is $10.00 per person. The homes will be closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, but the tours will continue through Jan. 2.

"During the holidays, when it's cold and rainy, we are warm and toasty inside, and we are open and waiting for you to come," Jones said.

Jones says Trees of Christmas is a perfect way to entertain your children or out-of-town guests during the holidays.

For more information about Merrehope and the F.W. Williams House, click on the link below.