CRITZ, VA (November 21, 2011)— No holiday would be complete without a visit to the Reynolds Homestead to take part in its annual Victorian Christmas celebration.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lisa Martin, Senior Program Manager Reynolds Homestead (276) 694-7181, ext. 22 martinlm@vt.edu VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS AT THE REYNOLDS HOMESTEAD CRITZ, VA (November 21, 2011)— No holiday would be complete without a visit to the Reynolds Homestead to take part in its annual Victorian Christmas celebration. The historic home will be decorated in authentic Victorian fashion and will be available for viewing weekdays, December 1-16, noon to 4:00 p.m. Groups who would like to tour the house should call the Homestead to schedule a time. Bring your stamped and addressed Christmas cards to have them canceled with the Homestead’s original and unique Victorian Christmas stamp. Staff from the Critz post office will be available during evening performances, but you may drop your cards off at any time to be cancelled. Dinner and a Movie: “A Christmas Story.� Enjoy everyone’s favorite Christmas movie in this family event to get you excited about the holidays. Ralphie must convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect gift in this 1983 movie set in the 1940s. Dinner will be a re-creation of the famous “meatloaf smeatloaf� dinner scene including the mashed potatoes and red cabbage! What a great evening of family fun. Make your reservations early as seating is limited. Door prizes will include a Red Ryder BB Gun (Don’t shoot your eye out!) and a replica Leg Lamp night light. Dinner is $8 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and begins promptly at 6:00 p.m. Reservations required for dinner. The movie begins at 7:00 p.m. and is FREE. Tuesday, November 29. “Chamber After Hours� The 4th Annual “Chamber After Hours� at Victorian Christmas is an opportunity for all Patrick County Chamber of Commerce members to enjoy the decorations, refreshments music, and networking at holiday time. 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 1. “The WRJR Christmas Show.� Director Julie Walters Steele and family (along with the staff) recreate an old-fashioned radio show for your entertainment. Join the “studio audience� for this heart-warming performance of live holiday music and period skits from the 1930s and 40s – most of which were sponsored by Reynolds tobacco products. During intermission, enjoy desserts and a silent auction where you might pick up a few great Christmas presents. Call the Homestead for reservations. $8 for adults and $5 for students. Tuesday, December 6 and Thursday, December 8, 7:00 p.m. The house will be open at 5:30 for viewing, and on Thursday, Esprit d’ Chord will be performing. Sunday matinee December 11, 2:00 p.m. The house will be open at 12:30, including performances by Esprit d’ Chord. “Christmas Cookie Exchange� Bring three dozen of your favorite Christmas cookies with recipes and join the staff for some holiday fun exchanging cookies and recipes, eating, playing games, and raffling off some great prizes. Thursday, December 15, 6:00 p.m. Reservations for any Victorian Christmas event can be made by calling 27-694-7181. The Continuing Education Center will be close for winter break at 5:00 on Friday, December 16 and re-open Tuesday, January 3. # # # Photo Caption: Enjoy the authentically decorated Rock Spring Plantation House at the Reynolds Homestead’s Victorian Christmas.