Elvis Presley's holiday celebrations at his Graceland home became one of the most notable events in the King of Rock and Roll's life, especially his last Christmas.
Every year when Presley was still alive, the legendary singer would always decorate his Graceland mansion with Christmas decorations. He would not ask his helpers to take them down until his birthday on January 8.
The son of Presley's cousin Billy, Danny Smith, talked about the "Can't Help Falling in Love" singer's last Christmas with his daughter, Lisa Marie, and called the event "beautiful."
On Memphis Mafia Kid's YouTube channel, Smith recalled how much Presley loved Christmas that he always decorated his Graceland mansion beautifully.
"Elvis loved Christmas and wanted to make sure that Graceland was lit up and decorated beautifully. something you just can't get out of your mind, it was beautiful," he went on.
Memphis Mafia members also joined the singer in the celebrations, but one moment brought chills to Smith. He revealed that he, Lisa Marie, and other children always played downstairs while adults were still up in the mansion.
On that Christmas day in 1976, Presley reportedly gave his daughter her own golf cart.
Elvis Presley's Graceland Home Still Brings Christmas Spirit
Even after Presley's death, his family and confidants still decorate his Graceland home before the Christmas season each year.
This year, it marked the Holiday Lighting Weekend on November 17 to 19 and started offering holiday tours to the public. The official website of Graceland also disclosed that the events would be available until January 8.
Because of the tradition, Graceland scored the top spot in USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice for "Best Holiday Historic Home Tour." It also secured a nomination for the same recognition this year.
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According to the website, fans have been supporting its Graceland Poinsettia Campaign by donating to it. All proceeds support the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation and help the organizers maintain the poinsettias around the mansion every Christmas day.
The tradition continues decades after the King of Rock and Roll died in 1977. He was found unconscious in his Graceland mansion and rushed to a medical facility where he, unfortunately, was pronounced dead.
Elvis Presley's cause of death has been bombarded with rumors as the public said his passing was mysterious. It was later revealed that he died of heart failure caused by his drug abuse in the years leading to his death.
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