Editor’s note: Click the link to see a short video created by Rich Criss and Mick Welding. Criss stated, “This video shows a route to get from home-to-home, as well as a description of the décor in each home. It is an amateur video that, unfortunately, ends abruptly at 30 minutes. I hope you enjoy it!” https://youtu.be/OSXmzd5LAZg.
Rich Criss introduces the second residence that will be open for viewing, during the MCH Foundation’s First Annual “Holiday Tour of Homes 2021.” Titled “The Halls Be Decked!” this fundraiser features four Morrison, IL, homes. Each will be lavishly decorated and open for public viewing on Thursday, December 2, through Saturday, December 4, 2021.
Thursday night, $100 donation tickets entitle you to stroll through homes without the crowds; this “evening of tidings and candles” is limited to 100 persons. Any time during your tours of the four homes, go to the Morrison Community Hospital new Conference/Board room. In this “Kaffee Haus,” enjoy festive meat and cheese trays, meat wraps, charcuterie boards, plus delectable desserts, such as chocolate dipped strawberries and many others. In addition, Thursday night guests will receive a commemorative Christmas ornament. Thursday tour hours are 4:00 p.m. to 8:00. The “Kaffee Haus” will be open until 9:00.
Friday/Saturday $12.50 tickets entitle guests to tour homes from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00, on Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on Saturday. Any time during your tours of the four homes, go to the MCH Conference/Board room “Kaffee Haus.” Christmas cookies and coffee, hot chocolate, and hot apple cider will be served. The “Kaffee Haus” will be open for one hour after the tours close on both days. Ticket holders may choose to split the four tours over two days.
Our second home is the residence of Rich and Lynelle Criss, at 603 Diamond Court, in Morrison. Located just around the corner from the Belt/Neighbour home, participants may park and take a complimentary golf cart ride between these two homes.
Only the second owners of this sprawling ranch house, the Crisses purchased it from Lynne Hamilton in March 2014. Twenty-seven years ago, Lynne and her former husband, Mike, built this home and moved in Thanksgiving week 1994. Carpenter Rollie Ebbers and Plumber Dick Ebbers, of Ebbers Builders, constructed the home, breaking ground in Spring 2014.
Upon walking onto the front porch and entering the main door, participants will walk through an entryway into a large great room. Living and dining areas are filled with antiques; a nine-foot Christmas tree; fireplace with 120-year old mantle; other decorations to enjoy. The dining area features a large, Amish crafted dining table, and a school desk used in an area one-room country school. Also on the main floor are the master bedroom, honoring the owners’ Dutch heritage; guest bedroom; den; two bathrooms; a spacious kitchen. A four-season sunroom completes the first floor.
Downstairs, are a second living area with large fireplace; secondary kitchen; bar area constructed of a bowling alley top; an additional dining area. The Criss home will feature over 15 Christmas trees of varying sizes, a beautiful Victorian Village, handmade quilts, and other sentimental decorations Rich and Lynelle have acquired over their 30 years of marriage. Many lights and candles will enhance this presentation.
The Dale Belt and Lori Neighbour home was featured previously for “The Halls be Decked!” inaugural event. Upcoming residences on tour belong to Jean Decker, and Loren and Connie Tenboer. Watch for their introductions in November.
For tickets, send a request with check made payable to “MCH Foundation.” Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Rich Criss, 603 Diamond Court, Morrison, IL 61270. Specify which day to order tickets.
Stop at Emmanuel Reformed Church, 202 E. Morris Street, to purchase tickets, or go to the front desk of Morrison Community Hospital, 303 N. Jackson Street.
We would love to see you at this premier Holiday Tour of Homes event! Contact Mick Welding at 815-772-5510 with questions.