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Christmas is a magical time of white snow, twinkling lights and evergreen boughs at Gary and Dorothy Courrier’s home near Bricelyn, Minnesota. Every year, family and friends gather to celebrate winter’s eve at their 1910 four-story Victorian farmhouse.

The Courriers purchased their dream house in 1976 and since then, have been decorating with antiques and family heirlooms that seem to belong in this turn-of-the-century farmhouse. Built by a prominent family, the home is steeped with charm. The rooms of the main floor lead from one to the other, through striking openings finished with dark timber and ornate detailing.

Dorothy incorporates antique treasures, repurposed items and old materials along with everything modern into their home. “I like to mix old and new together,” Dorothy says. For example, she placed a new silver tea set on a silver tray that belonged to Gary’s mother. Dorothy also uses her creativity and love for projects to put a personal touch on each room.

Every December, family and friends join Gary and Dorothy for a winter’s eve celebration. Adult guests enjoy hot chocolate by the fire while children follow lighted snow-covered trails through the woods to visit all the classic characters of A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. “We started lights in the woods when our youngest daughter was having friends over 20 years ago,” Dorothy says. “It’s just not Christmas here when we don’t have the lights in the woods. And it’s a tradition for our grandchildren to follow the trail and see all the characters. Our four-year-old granddaughter says ‘the characters aren’t real but our imagination makes them seem like they are.’ Like the story of the Velveteen Rabbit, if we’re loved enough we become real.”

Winter’s eve has become a tradition for many. “Friends say they love to come because it’s created so many holiday memories that they treasure.” The Courriers have found the perfect blend of imagination and hospitality to create a magical experience. When Dorothy describes her home, she uses a favorite quote: “Our home offers an inviting, soft, faded, grandeur – a place where memories from the past are evoked and new ones created. It is personal and accepting of the imperfect.”