It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you go, and Auburn Antebellum Home is no exception as the annual open house day approaches.

We are once again ready to welcome everyone for a free afternoon of touring with refreshments and entertainment galore this Sunday!

This year we are spotlighting some renovations that are not immediately obvious. The biggest is the central heat and air that have been added to the entire second floor. Also there has been extensive repair to the two corner columns on the front porch and there is the beginning of a complete makeover to the front door and surround. Of course, all of the decorations are in place and ready for your family photograph around the tree or in front of the huge parlor mirror or, maybe, in front of one of the wonderful Italian marble mantels.

There is also that little old totally freestanding spiral staircase as well. All areas of the home are dressed in holiday finery. Auburn was recently the beneficiary of a wonderful mid-1800s dress which will be on display for the first time.

As the membership begins to gear up for the happy 200th birthday of Auburn in 2012, we ask you all to come and offer ideas, stories and support to the small group of volunteers who keep this property maintained and open year round for the City of Natchez and for you.

You, the citizens, are who we are thanking by offering this opportunity to come and tour free. So take a break from the hustle and bustle that is part of the Christmas holiday preparations and come relax with us for just a little while as we take a look at Christmas past through the wonderful house called Auburn.

I can’t help by wonder what Lyman Harding and Levi Weeks would have thought of all this commotion!

Don’t know who those guys were? Well, you’ll just have to visit Auburn to find out.

The open house will be from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Sunday at 400 Duncan Park.

Phyllis Feiser is president of Auburn Antebellum Home.