Lynchburg Living

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By Haley Pinder

Charles Dickens once wrote, “I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” Some folks–many, in fact–make these promises and by the end of January, have fallen short. Two local people, Wayne and Rachel Beeler, committed themselves years ago to give back to their families and community any way they could, and these days, there is quite a gift to behold driving along Thomas Jefferson Road in Forest. Their stunning, sprawling home, with always an open-door, is a winter wonderland that brings joy to hundreds of friends, family and visitors each holiday season.

This uniquely decorated home has 17–yes, 17!–Christmas trees and more holiday collectables, trains, Santas, nativities, icicles, reindeer and ornaments than any one person has ever counted. Their seasonal decor is the result of a labor of love by many people. Beginning in October each year, they work to bring out Rachel’s special Christmas decorations in order to fill the home in preparation of the many parties, family gatherings and open houses.

“I couldn’t do it alone,” Rachel openly admits as she smiles and recalls how many people have been involved over the years helping to make this home a masterpiece of Christmas spirit.

One of Rachel’s sisters, Emma Davis, passed away this year; as an integral part of Rachel’s life, she will be especially missed this Christmas. Emma took great pride in setting up the life-size nativity, among many other projects in the house, alongside of her husband, Tommy Davis. Other current and past “Santa’s helpers” at the Beeler’s home are Carla Bruce, Bonnie Perkins and the late Jim Wirt, just to name a few. Local florists, such as Arthur’s Flower Cart and Designer’s Choice, have also helped Rachel achieve her goals along the way.

The Beeler’s story began many years ago. Married to the young man she met more than 46 years ago at a local Lynchburg hot spot, Rachel recalls jokingly telling her sister, “I am going to marry that boy,” when she saw Wayne Beeler.

“We both came from good, hardworking families that had a mother waiting for us when we got off the bus and a father that wasn’t afraid to work hard,” she said of their backgrounds. The couple adopted the same philosophy when it was their turn to raise their two children, Donna and Mike. Both of their grown children now work for the family business and have families of their own; Donna has a son, Jacob, and two step-children, BethAnn and Allison, while Mike has one son named Ryan.

The family tradition of decorating for the holidays started many years ago, but grew in enormity after the Beelers bought their present home in 1997. After a total overhaul and renovation that lasted about a year, Rachel says she still finds her joy in “fixing this house” and others, and is often found helping her friends decorate their own homes.

“We have always loved to work. I design in my mind and know where things are going to go before I get them home from the store,” Rachel explained.

With all of the material splendor of the collections, furnishings and Christmas ornaments and arrangements, what stands apart in beauty is the spirit of giving in the Beeler’s home. Rachel came from a family of eight, and loves to share what she has with others. Wayne agrees that enjoying the holidays is best with friends and family.

“We love to give,” the couple said.

With the amount of holiday decorations inside their home, one could get lost in the wonder of it all. After all, each mantle, hearth, mirror, chandelier, cabinet, tabletop, counter, ledge and corner is looked upon by Rachel as an opportunity to spread holiday cheer and a little Christmas design. But when guests examine each room more closely, they discover groupings of collections and color-coordinated patterns to follow in their own homes. The pool house has a tropical feel with the blues and greens in the decor while the sunroom is filled with bright and colorful hues. The master bedroom is rich in warm tones and the master bath sparkles with metallic finishes, using the mirrors to their advantage. Everywhere you look in this home, Rachel’s pride for putting Christmas on display is evident, and she always displays the gifts she is given.

From pillows to throws, ribbons and beads, glitter and gems, nutcrackers and angels, linens and wreaths, candles and napkin rings, garlands and trees, stockings and poinsettias, stuffed toys and Santas, mistletoe and sleigh bells–there is nothing missing this Christmas home, including the priceless spirit that warms the hearts of many throughout the year.

This year, consider going all out, not just in decorating for the holidays, but giving your best to others throughout the year too. Merry Christmas!