Every room of the three-level house is adorned with garland, themed trees, villages, and unique handmade decorations. The first floor features beautiful ornaments each made from thousands of beads, pearls, and Austrian crystals and arranged on trees or hung from every available space. The affect is dazzling. The chef’s tree in the kitchen is my favorite, while my husband loves the upside-down Star Trek tree in the basement. The village of Bethlehem is striking in its detail and authenticity, with fabric that is historically correct and tiny vendors selling their little fruits and vegetables—simply amazing. Rhoda Matts, the artist behind it all, has recycled common household items into treasures. Her talent and ingenuity are inspiring.
The house contains 83 trees and countless decorations, and it is all for a great cause—the ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Foundation. Tours are free and are conducted by volunteers from Potomac Falls High School’s DECA Club. In addition Coty Campos has been conducting tours in Spanish, making this an international experience! Donations for ALS are accepted in the kitchen with receipts provided for tax purposes (cash or checks made payable to PFHS).
Enter the raffle to win a beautiful handmade tree and you may get to own a lasting souvenir. Candles, ornaments, hand-painted wreaths, flower arrangements, and pinecone trees will be given away with some donations. Refreshments are served with every tour.
The Matts Family’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Open House is located at 234 Markwood Dr. in Calvert’s Glen. Just take Palisades Pkwy. to a right on Tripleseven, a right on Glade, and another right on Markwood. The house is on the corner of Glade and Markwood.
The Open House has been extended to Saturday, Dec. 19 from 3-9 p.m., so please come out to support a good cause and get a major dose of holiday spirit. I guarantee that this tour will become an annual holiday ritual. If you have any questions please contact potomacfallsdeca@yahoo.com.
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