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Longwood Gardens Christmas
In original factory wrap.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published December 31, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 1, 2021
This year I figured it was time to actually READ the coffee table book we bought during one of our many trips to see a Longwood Christmas, since we couldn’t go in person. I actually loved hearing about the DuPonts and why Longwood came into being. It was a minor part of this book since that wasn’t the main focus, but it made me want to learn more. It’s also lovely to know that they gave these amazing parties for the children of the employees. I don’t know anything about any of their other business dealings or whether ON THE WHOLE they were these angels like they were portrayed, but this small window into their lives made you think you know, they didn’t HAVE to give these parties and it really was a memory those kids carried with them into old age. They created magic for those kids, and the tradition carries on to this day with the gardens creating magic and memories for all of the thousands of visitors like us. Though of course we don’t get presents and we PAY for those memories 😉 But in my opinion it’s worth it to get to be a part of that world once a year.
The later part of the book, focusing on the evolution of Longwood Christmases, was really beautiful! I LOVED the photos. Of course I ALWAYS wish there could be more and bigger photos but having a zillion photos of each Longwood Christmas for 50 years really isn’t feasible so I’m just grateful for the photos they could fit 😊 The one thing I would say about the narrative in this part of the book was that the focus on how many visitors came in brought the whole magic down a smidge, brought it back to finances and capitalism rather than focusing on the theme and Christmas magic (and yes I understand that it is a business but I’m in it for the memories not for the financial report!). I understand it’s part of the history, but there’s an appendix of attendance at the end and I think it could have been left at that.
Overall I will obviously bring it back to the coffee table every year in December, and I’m glad that I read it from cover to cover this year!
The later part of the book, focusing on the evolution of Longwood Christmases, was really beautiful! I LOVED the photos. Of course I ALWAYS wish there could be more and bigger photos but having a zillion photos of each Longwood Christmas for 50 years really isn’t feasible so I’m just grateful for the photos they could fit 😊 The one thing I would say about the narrative in this part of the book was that the focus on how many visitors came in brought the whole magic down a smidge, brought it back to finances and capitalism rather than focusing on the theme and Christmas magic (and yes I understand that it is a business but I’m in it for the memories not for the financial report!). I understand it’s part of the history, but there’s an appendix of attendance at the end and I think it could have been left at that.
Overall I will obviously bring it back to the coffee table every year in December, and I’m glad that I read it from cover to cover this year!
December 27, 2024
How fortunate we are to have this magnificent site open to the public. No matter how many times I visit, I am still awed by the beauty and this book is the best souvenir of the great history of the holiday displays.
December 13, 2019
Nice history and pictures. Would have liked more close ups. Love Longwood
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews