Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Gaffney resident Paula Boggs puts the finishing touches on a 12-foot Christmas tree inside her home. She is getting the house in tip-top shape as a number of visitors will walk through the home as part of this year's Holiday House tour.

"If it's not broke, don't fix it" is the usual method for Paula Boggs and her husband, Steven, as the local couple prepares for the Christmas holiday.

Keeping a low profile, the family usually only needs a tree and a few wreaths to decorate their historic home on Johnson Street, opting to work with the natural beauty of the property rather than add to it.

"Normally, it's pretty simple, with us putting up a tree and wreaths on the windows," Boggs said. "Nothing too big."

But even she must admit that this Christmas season is a bit different.

The family tree has company this year, joined by an assortment of wreaths, ribbons and flowers found around the home. Several sets of lights are also being placed on the property, hopefully attracting families in need of a little Christmas cheer.

The Boggs' home was chosen by the Gaffney Garden Club to serve as this year's holiday house.

Neighbors and strangers alike are welcome at the annual event, which showcases how local families dress up their homes for the holidays.

"We are very excited they decided to do this," said Jane Waters of the Gaffney Garden Club. "Everything is beautiful and the Boggs are a great family that welcomes everyone to their home, so this worked out for all of us."

The event is the chief fundraiser for the local garden club.

While the Old Farmer's Almanac is holding out hope for a white Christmas in Cherokee County, Boggs said it's a guarantee for those visiting her home.

"The theme this year is 'A Christmas Fantasy in White,' with everything in that color," Boggs said. "We're hoping to give people the sense of a winter wonderland."

At least eight hours each day is devoted to getting the home in mint condition for the home tour. Likely becoming a task to some, Paula Boggs actually enjoys the work she is putting in.

"It's pretty easy and is a lot of fun," Boggs said. "We're doing a lot more than usual, and can't wait for things to be done."

Many homeowners would run from the prospect of allowing total strangers to step on their property, much less enter their home. However, Boggs has embraced the opportunity.

"I'm not at all uncomfortable with people coming to my home," Boggs said. "It was made for entertaining."

"This house has been a part of the community for decades, and it will be something special to give people a look."

The Holiday Home tour will be held Dec. 13 from 5-8 p.m. and Dec. 14 from 2-5 p.m. Tickets are $10, with funds going to the Cherokee Children's Home.