A time of caroling, giving, decorating and touring &045;&045; homes in Natchez that is.

With the Christmas season moving into full swing, trees being raised and the lights being strung, some area homeowners are making sure their decorating is top notch &045;&045; three homes in particular.

The Mellen House on South Commerce Street, The Merrill House on Orleans Street and Twin Oaks on Homochitto Street, will all be showcased Sunday, Dec. 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. for the Friends of the Library Christmas Tour of Homes.

&uot;It’s a beautiful way to start the holidays,&uot; said Candace Bundgard, publicity chairwoman. &uot;It gets you in the mood for Christmas.&uot;

This annual, seasonal tour of three homes gives visitors a chance to see Christmas decorating in grandeur style and all for the benefit of the George Armstrong Library. This event being the library’s major fundraiser of the year; the money will help buy books and resources for the library.

&uot;We try to use our home for things that benefit the community,&uot; said Twin Oaks owner Regina Charboneau. &uot;Those are the kinds of things I like to open my home for. I think the library is so essential to our community.&uot;

Anyone can buy a $10 ticket and enjoy the Christmas feeling of these homes, all within walking distance of one another. There will be lights, bows, lots of people, conversation and refreshments.

And these are homes that are not normally open to the public and can only be toured for this special, Christmas tour.

&uot;If you are choosing the homes that are on tour (pilgrimage), you can go in October or the spring to see those,&uot; said Helen Rayne, house selection chairwoman for the library tour.

Added Charboneau: &uot;And because we are not open to the public, I think people are interested in the house.&uot;

Many of these homes have been recently remodeled, adding interest from the community to tour the homes. But don’t think this tour will have any less history to tell. While it will be more of an informal setting according to Bundgard, there will still he hosts and hostesses alike to give interesting history.

There are historic roots to be learned, including hearing about the original owner of The Mellen House, William P. Mellen, who is now, according to new The Mellen House owner Jamie Boudreaux, credited with writing the account of the sandbar duel.

From the trees to the garland, the furniture and the natural beauty of the homes, there will be much to see.

&uot;I see this as an opportunity for the home owners to share what they like about their homes, the architectural details, the furnishings, and particularly, on this occasion, how one prepares the home for the holiday,&uot; said The Merrill House owner Gwen Ball.

Ball said there will be more formally decorated rooms and some more fun and casual at the Merrill House. Also, there will be some feel of a Victorian Christmas.

At The Mellen House, look forward to not only the Christmas tree but the intricately carved and wonderfully decorated mantles, Boudreaux said.

And at Twin Oaks, there will be the somewhat edible Christmas tree of gingerbread and gumdrop ornaments. But don’t go expecting to actually eat it; just enjoy the look of it.

And the homeowners are hoping, as are the Friends of the Library, everyone involved will have a good time.

&uot;I hope it will be festive,&uot; Charboneau said. &uot;It’s a community event. There will be a lot of people. I hope to see new people as well as ones I know.

&uot;So, (it will) definitely (be) a Natchez party.&uot;