Ep 2. Small Town, Big Christmas

Jackie and Ryan are the owners of a historic house in a small town called Bethlehem, where Christmas is the biggest holiday of the year. This episode of "Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas" follows them as they prepare their home for the annual Christmas house tour, which is a major event for the town and draws visitors from all over.

The house, which was built in the 1800s, is in need of some serious holiday cheer. Inside, it's dark and cluttered, with outdated furniture and decor that doesn't do justice to the home's impressive history and charm. Outside, the front porch is narrow and uninviting, and the yard is overgrown and neglected.

Enter Benjamin Bradley, a.k.a Mr. Christmas. As a renowned holiday decorator, Bradley's mission is to transform the house into a warm and welcoming haven that will inspire visitors and make Jackie and Ryan proud. But before he can start decking the halls, he needs to get a feel for the couple's vision and personality.

He takes them on a tour of some of the town's iconic Christmas destinations, from the Moravian Museum (which showcases the town's German heritage) to the historic Hotel Bethlehem (where Jackie and Ryan got married). This gives Bradley a sense of what Christmas means to them and how he can incorporate those elements into the home makeover.

Back at the house, Bradley gets to work. He starts by decluttering and organizing the interior, removing some of the more dated furnishings and decor. Then he brings in his own stash of holiday decorations, which includes everything from wreaths and garlands to vintage ornaments and whimsical figurines.

Bradley's style is traditional yet playful, with a touch of whimsy that reflects his own personality. He mixes classic elements like tartan plaid and holly sprigs with unexpected details like oversized candy canes and jingle bell wreaths. The result is a house that's inviting, cozy, and festive, without feeling too over-the-top or commercial.

One of the biggest challenges is the exterior of the house. Bradley wants to create a more welcoming entryway, but the narrow porch and steps make it difficult to add traditional elements like a wreath or garland. He decides to go vertical instead, using a ladder as the base for a towering evergreen swag that stretches up and over the front door.

He also adds a small but impactful detail to the yard: a custom-made sign that says "Believe". This becomes a recurring theme throughout the episode, as Bradley encourages Jackie and Ryan to believe in the magic and joy of Christmas and to embrace their own sense of style.

One of the most touching moments of the episode comes when Bradley surprises the couple with a portrait of their beloved dog, Tucker, who passed away earlier in the year. He had secretly commissioned a local artist to create the painting, which now hangs prominently in the living room. It's a heartfelt reminder of the joy and love that animals bring to our lives, especially at the holidays.

As the house tour approaches, Jackie and Ryan are thrilled with the transformation. They feel like their home finally reflects their own style and personality, while also honoring the town's Christmas traditions. Visitors flock to the house, marveling at the intricate and imaginative decorations and leaving with memories that will last a lifetime.

Overall, "Small Town, Big Christmas" is a heartwarming and inspiring episode that showcases the power of holiday decorating to transform not just a house, but an entire community. Bradley's passion for Christmas shines through in every detail, from the carefully curated decorations to the encouraging words he shares with Jackie and Ryan. It's a reminder that the true spirit of the season is about love, joy, and hope, and that we can all find ways to bring that spirit into our homes and hearts.