On December 16, around 140 local supporters, friends and neighbors of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) braved the hostile weather to attend for the annual Christmas Open House at the group’s national headquarters in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania.
The event has long held a place on the calendars of local friends and supporters. There were no cries of “Happy Holidays” at this program. Rather, there was an ambience where the true spirit of Christmas was proudly proclaimed without restraint or apologies in response to today’s politically-correct world. Participants joyfully welcome the coming Christ Child.
Three “Magi Kings” told Christmas stories to the children. This year’s highlights included Christmas carols – both sung and played by the brass section of the TFP’s Holy Choirs of Angels band in their characteristic ceremonial uniform. There was also plenty of freshly-pressed homemade hot apple cider and an assortment of holiday foods and sweets. The three “Magi Kings” also delighted the children with stories and gifts from afar.
Students from TFP-staffed Saint Louis de Montfort Academy performed a theater play called “I Could Not Find a Title for this Play.” In addition, there were hourly tours of the property and raffles for statues of the Child Jesus, gift baskets, and fruitcakes.
Most of the program was at the TFP headquarters’ historic main house, built in 1911. The two large ten-foot Christmas trees were not pre-lit or pre-decorated but rather decorated the old-fashioned way by TFP volunteers. All the rooms were decked with evergreen garlands and red ribbons. An intricate Nativity Scene with pieces from Europe was set up in the entrance hall.
Roaring fireplaces were welcome sites from the cold biting weather. Lively conversation was everywhere. All were invited to sing and join in joyful expectation for the coming of the Christ Child.