Holiday Happenings at Callaway Gardens

Horizons in Hemophilia, December 2010 

By Kim Wilson, Camp and Activities Coordinator

On Saturday, November 20, more than 400 Hemophilia of Georgia clients, guests and staff celebrated the holiday season at Callaway Gardens.   It was a gorgeous day for the families to explore the many walking trails, the Butterfly Center, and the gardens.

Beginning at 3:00, many families and the HoG staff participated in the Trot to Clot Walk along some of the garden paths.  We raised almost $2500!  Participants enjoyed snacks, water and hot apple cider along the way.

After the Trot to Clot Walk, we enjoyed a buffet dinner in the ballrooms at the Mountain Creek Inn.  Dr. Jack Thomas, a dentist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, spoke to the families about the importance of good oral hygiene and teaching children to take care of their teeth at an early age.  He also spoke about the special precautions that should be taken before a person with a bleeding disorder undergoes dental cleaning or oral surgery.

While their parents were listening to Dr. Thomas, more than 100 children played reindeer games and made holiday arts and crafts including candy cane reindeer ornaments and holiday greeting cards.  They also spread glitter and holiday cheer throughout the room.

At the end of the night, everyone enjoyed a tour through “Fantasy in Lights” at Callaway Gardens.  The ride through the lights was magical.  We traveled through a wintery merry land as our cheeks got nice and rosy, and comfy and cozy were we.  We sang holiday carols, enjoyed a beautiful ride in an open-air trolley, and were dazzled by holiday scene after holiday scene crafted out of millions of lights.