Elvis Presley Went ‘Full-Throttle’ During His ‘Sentimental’ First Christmas at Graceland
Elvis Presley ensured that his first Christmas at Graceland was unlike any other his family had ever experienced. He went “full-throttle” his first “sentimental” holiday season at Graceland, where big changes lay ahead for the King of Rock and Roll that would alter his life forever.
Elvis Presley made sure his first Christmas at Graceland was magical
Angie Marchese, Vice President of Archives and Exhibits at Graceland, shared details of Elvis Presley’s first Christmas at his historic Memphis, Tennessee home. She explained life was very different for the Presley family after moving from Audobon Drive to the palatial estate.
“Elvis’ first Christmas in ’57 was kind of one of those sentimental Christmases,” Marchese explained in a Gates of Graceland video. “Not only was it his first Christmas here at Graceland, but he also did just receive his draft notice.”
“He knew he was getting ready to go into the army so he was kind of mentally preparing for that. But he didn’t let that dampen his Christmas spirit,” she continued.
“Elvis definitely went full-throttle. One of the first things he bought was a gigantic piece of lawn art, which is still in the yard today. It’s the Santa with the reindeer that says, ‘Merry Christmas to All, Elvis.'”
Marchese concluded, “Now it’s on the north lawn. But Elvis displayed it right in front of the house in the center of the yard so everyone could see it. We still have the receipt for that lawn art, which cost Elvis around $300.”
That wasn’t the only time that iconic piece of art would be seen by Elvis’ family and friends
Elvis Presley found a way to share his beloved holiday decorations with the world. The Santa lawn art wasn’t only on display at Graceland but shared on a family Christmas card too.
The Presley family Christmas card was a photograph of Graceland, featuring the image of Santa and his sleigh. The card came in several colors including blue, red, and green.
When the card opened up, the interior read, “At Christmas, we send warm greetings to you as a friend and we share with you some views of Graceland, our home. The Presleys.”
Elvis Presley’s first Christmas at Graceland would be his last until 1960
The King of Rock and Roll wouldn’t return to Graceland to celebrate the Christmas holidays until 1960. That was the year he was discharged from the United States Army and returned home to Memphis, Tennessee.
He had just finished basic training when his mother, Gladys Presley, died in August 1958. Elvis was granted an extended leave to mourn her passing before returning to the military. Just one month later, Elvis was stationed in West Germany.
December 1958 was Elvis’ first Christmas without Gladys. However, his father Vernon, and grandmother Minnie Mae Presley, spent the holiday with Elvis at the Hotel Grunewald, near his army post. Vernon gifted his son an electric guitar.
One year later, in 1959, Elvis spent a second Christmas in Germany, at a rented home Goethetrasse. By that time, he was casually seeing Priscilla Beaulieu but was also involved with longtime girlfriend Anita Wood.
That Christmas Priscilla gave Elvis a set of bongo drums. He generously gifted his new girlfriend a ring and a watch.
Elvis returned home to Graceland to celebrate Christmas in 1960. In 1961 he spent the holiday season in Las Vegas, but after that, spent every Christmas at Graceland until his death in August 1977.
