Mississippi First Lady Elee Reeves cherishes each December because she and the family get to share the governor’s mansion with Mississippians.
The December event she looks forward to each year is Christmas at the Mansion.
“The feedback we receive from visitors has been really positive. Our team works incredibly hard to make it a great, welcoming experience for everyone who visits,” Reeves told Today in Mississippi.
“This will be our sixth Christmas at the Mansion, and each year has given us new memories and experiences.”
Each year, Mississippi florists and designers are invited to submit proposals to decorate the governor’s mansion that highlight an annual theme.
This year’s theme is “A Season of Success: Celebrating Mississippi Students, Teachers, and Education Gains.” Reeves said the theme was chosen to highlight the state’s educational achievements over recent years.
“We chose this theme to celebrate our students, teachers, and parents who have helped our state become a national leader in education. We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made, and I cannot wait to celebrate these fantastic achievements,” Reeves said.
After the theme was announced, Revees put out a call to Mississippi students to submit ornaments that represent their school to be incorporated into this year’s decorations.
The feedback we receive from visitors has been really positive. Our team works incredibly hard to make it a great, welcoming experience for everyone who visits. This will be our sixth Christmas at the Mansion, and each year has given us new memories and experiences.
Over the years, Reeves said, Christmas at the Mansion has honored first responders and frontline workers, celebrated Mississippi children, Mississippi towns and traditions, the state’s rich musical legacy, and the businesses that help move the state forward.
“We spend a lot of time talking and working to come up with themes that represent the very best of Mississippi. Here in Mississippi, we have many great things happening and so much to celebrate, so coming up with a theme usually isn’t too difficult. I, along with members of my team, will usually come up with several possible ideas that we will discuss and build out. As we discuss, we all typically begin to gravitate toward one specific idea, and that is usually how our themes come to be,” Reeves said.
Once the theme is chosen, Reeves and husband, Gov. Tate Reeves, hold a press conference in July to announce the theme and begin the search for a decorator.
“The talent and creativity found here in Mississippi is truly unmatched! We receive the most fabulous proposals, each with their own unique take of the chosen theme,” Reeves said.
“We always say that this is the hardest part of planning for Christmas at the Mansion, because of the details, talent, and uniqueness placed in each proposal.”
The Decorator
This year’s decorator is florist and designer Madden Gray. Gray owns and operates MG & Company in downtown Philadelphia.
“When I received the call, I was overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude. The governor’s mansion is not just a residence; it’s a symbol of our state’s history and hospitality. So being trusted to bring it to life for the holidays is incredibly meaningful to me,” Madden said.
Madden was born and raised in Philadelphia. He said growing up in Mississippi taught him “the beauty of tradition, hospitality, and a strong sense of home.”
“From an early age, I was drawn to how flowers and décor could bring people together and tell a story. Whether it was a Sunday table set just right, or a front porch dressed for the seasons,” Madden said.
“I began MG & Company with a passion for creating designs that celebrate Southern charm and heartfelt beauty. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working on everything from weddings and events to large-scale holiday designs. My goal is always to create spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and personal.”
Madden said his Christmas at the Mansion design will feature rich seasonal color palettes, natural greenery, and handcrafted ornaments and art by Mississippi students.
“Personally, this opportunity feels like a beautiful blend of everything I love: tradition, community, and creativity. It’s a dream project that allows me to celebrate the season while representing Mississippi’s artistry and tradition,” Madden said.
Visits
Although a variety of Christmas trees are placed all over the mansion, other unique displays and decorations adorn the home.
In past years, decorators have featured ornaments made by Mississippi artists, children, and towns and communities. In 2023, the theme revolved around Mississippi being the Birthplace of America’s Music. The mansion partnered with numerous museums from around the state that loaned artifacts belonging to famous Mississippi artists like B.B. King, Charley Pride, Jimmy Buffett, Marty Stuart, and others.
“Last year, we were able to partner with a number of Mississippi companies to display Mississippi made products. We even had a huge gingerbread replica of the mansion made by Madison native, Beth Hennington, owner of The Vanillan,” Reeves said.
Reeves said her favorite display each year is the family’s nativity set.
“It’s beautiful and serves as a wonderful reminder of the reason for the season.”
The city of Jackson’s annual Christmas by Candlelight Tour is on Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. The event includes a holiday-themed tour of the governor’s mansion, the Mississippi State Capitol, the Old Capitol Museum, and the Two Mississippi Museums.
Reeves said her favorite part of the entire Christmas at the Mansion event is what happens after the decorations and displays have been put in place.
“That’s when we get to share it with Mississippians. It’s so special getting to visit with them during the annual Candlelight Tour and getting to see their reactions to the decorations,” Reeves said.
The city of Jackson’s annual Christmas by Candlelight Tour is on Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. For more information about Jackson’s Christmas by Candlelight Tour, visit the Mississippi Department of Archives and History site here.
