By LYNETTE GEORGE

HERALD DEMOCRAT

Experience not only the beauty of Christmas, but of exquisite keepsakes and antiques and distinctively-different home designs and styles during the Sherman Altrusa Club's Pilgrimage Tour of Homes.

Scheduled for 2 -5 p.m. Dec. 13, the tour has been a tradition for more than 50 years. This year's tours highlights five Sherman homes ranging from a turn-of-the-century cottage to a hilltop haven. Proceeds from the tour are used by the Altrusa Club for its literacy projects, endowed scholarship at Grayson County College, and other charitable programs.

"Every dollar goes right back into the community," says Dr. Mary Moses, chairwoman of the popular tour.

Tickets are $10 in advance or $11 at the door of any home on tour day. Advance tickets can be obtained by contacting Moses at 903-892-2935 or Martha Neyman at 903-893-5246.

After touring the five homes, visitors are invited by Altrusans to come to their annual tea and silent auction being held at the Texas Star Bank. Enjoy refreshments while browsing through the variety of auction merchandise, including lots of Christmas items.

Garcia cottage -- 204 W. Scott

Celebrate "Christmas on La Isla Del Encanto" at the cottage of H.S. "Bert" and Lana Caswell Garcia. The cottage, originally a Perrin Field barracks, was purchased in the early 1950s by Mr. and Mrs. James Fant, owners of Fant Milling Company, and moved to their home at 204 W. Scott. The Fants converted the building into a den and playroom.

When the Garcías acquired the home in 1996, the cottage became the office for Lana's business. After the Garcia's returned from Bert's four-year tenure as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, they decided to decorate the cottage to reflect their time on the island and to house many of the items they purchased or were given during their time on the island, known as La Isla del Encanto -- the Isle of Enchantment.

Visitors will receive a tropical Christmas welcome with a variety of island-themed keepsakes and collections. Special ornaments, a variety of palm trees, sand dollars, crosses, shells, flamingoes, fish, and even snowmen and Santa enjoying the holiday in a warmer climate are all part of the unique mix.

During Christmas and throughout the year, several depictions of the Three Kings or the Magi are prominently displayed at the cottage. Christmas Day in Puerto Rico is predominantly a religious holiday, and the giving of gifts is generally postponed until Twelfth Night or the Epiphany when the Magi traditionally brought their gifts to Jesus. Puerto Rican children are aware of Santa Claus, but generally expect to receive their gifts from the Three Kings. One of the traditions the couple brought back from Puerto Rico is the giving of Three Kings Day gifts which aren't opened until Jan. 6.

Sanderson home -- 2309 Turtle Creek Drive

This year is the second time Marty and Webb Sanderson have opened their home for the Altrusa tour. Though the location is the same, the home visitors will see is very different home due to a fire in 2007. The Sandersons had to completely rebuilt their home.

Visitors won't want to miss the family's collection of Santas and nutcrackers which will be seen throughout the home. The family also have two decorated trees this year. One, sitting in the front window, contains keepsake silver ball ornaments the couple received every year of their marriage from Marty's parents, the late Carolyn and Joe Fields. The tree also contains silver bells that the Sanderson's two sons, Jeff and Stephen, have received since birth from their cousin, Patty. The second tree, known as the family tree, is covered in multi-colored lights and holds a myriad of ornaments the family has received or collected over the years.

Traditional Christmas greenery, sparkling ribbons, arrangements and decor complete the festive look.

John and Missy Soffey Andrews home -- 1400 Western Hills

A welcoming walkway and porch will greet visitors to the home of John and Missy Soffey Andrews. Once inside, warm, wood floors and an open living, kitchen and dining area are adorned with family heirlooms in Americana and nature themes. Of special beauty are the many colorful paintings and other works of art, created by Missy Soffey Andrews and found in every room.

For the Christmas season, Missy has displayed several trees, including one with a collection of handmade ornaments such as a cloth angel made from her grandmother's quilt. Another tree is covered with a bevy of birds in every color and style. Missy's artistic talents were even used to create an eye-catching Christmas arrangement using her father's old, wooden tool box. The family's collection of White House ornaments are also displayed on a special Christmas wreath.

Marking the true meaning of Christmas for the Andrews, nativity scenes have been placed in each room. Finishing the look are fruit, greenery and candles.

Rhonda Corley home -- 800 N. Elm

Built in 1903 by the Totten family, Rhonda Corley's cozy cottage will take visitors back to a simpler time.

"I've kept to the traditional, old-time Christmas decor," says Corley of her home.

Simple greenery, red berries, and other nature-based items have been used to accent the home's old-world beauty. Christmas stockings comfortably hang next to the old, wood-burning stove, and greenery encircles original iron railing from the old Washington Iron Works.

"I have an appreciation for really old things," says Corley. "I love to rescue them."

That love is evident throughout the home. A small, enclosed porch is dedicated to Corley's collection of antique toys, and other antique pieces can be seen in every room. She has also used her creative side to redo pieces of furniture that had been thrown away, resulting in an eclectic mix which Corley cherishes. "This is like my own, little dollhouse!"

Julie Ellis Starr and Benjamin Hill home -- 736 Westwood Drive

A love of family and history can be found at every turn in the hilltop home of Julie Ellis Starr and Benjamin Hill.

Dolls, Starr's grandmother's Charleston outfit and great-grandmother's bonnet, paintings belonging to her great-aunt, 1920s tapestries, a Centennial chair, prayer rugs and many other cherished items fill the expansive home. Starr's favorite Christmas tree shines with her collection of silver baby cups belonging to herself, family members, and loved ones. Each piece has a story which Starr will be sharing with tour visitors.

In addition to the many family heirlooms, the home contains rare antiques Starr has discovered such as a vase from the 1700s, a hand fan given to a movie starlet by Rudolph Valentino, and a wooden wheelchair. A second Christmas tree holds her collection of colorful fairies, elves and similar creatures.

Traditional Christmas greenery, combined with rich golds, creams, reds and greens, have been used to transform the eye-catching home into a holiday treat for every visitor.