Local Katy High Schools Rework Holiday Home Tours During Pandemic

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

November 29, 2020

By Natalie Cook Clark

Two local high schools are hosting Holiday Home Tours this year to raise funds for student activities. Guests can explore beautifully decorated Katy homes featuring uniquely themed trees and rooms. Face masks and other safety measures will be enforced.

Photo courtesy: Beth Stokes

Taylor High School Holiday Home Tour

December 3: 5 - 9 p.m.

December 4: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

December 5: 5 - 9 p.m.

The Taylor High School Holiday Home Tour has been sharing holiday cheer and benefiting graduating seniors for 17 years. The home tour is the largest fundraiser for Project Graduation, a tradition for all graduating seniors. On graduation night, Project Graduation will host the class of 2021 for a safe and fun celebration at Main Event in Katy.

A Challenging Year

“It is a very challenging year for everyone,” says Beth Stokes, a mom of a THS senior. “We hope to be able to support the Class of 2021 with a safe graduation celebration.”

The cost for the lock-in at Main Event is $50. Two tickets to the Holiday Home Tour would support one senior for Project Graduation.

A tree in a bathtub! Photo courtesy: Beth Stokes

“Our success with fundraisers will determine how much we have to charge students but the goal is for a minimum charge,” says Stokes.

Tickets are available at Hauerland’s at 1648 Mason Road. You can also Venmo THSProjectGrad.com

While COVID-19 continues to affect daily lives, the Holiday Home Tour organizers have incorporated additional safety measures to host their event. To keep guests and homeowners safe, guests visiting these incredible homes will be required to wear masks inside and appropriately social distance.

There are three ways to participate in this year’s Holiday Home Tour:

• $20/person ticket to see 6 beautifully decorated homes

• $30/person ticket to see 7 beautifully decorated homes; 7th home includes a refreshment/photo with a professional photographer. Santa Claus will be there.

• $10/family for ONLY one home, including the refreshment/photo with a professional photographer and Santa visit.

“I know some of the homeowners started decorating in September,” says Stokes, their home in the refreshment/photo with Santa house. “We started the beginning of October and decorating probably took six to eight weeks.”

A tree in her closet. Photo courtesy: Beth Stokes

The Holiday Home Tour shares the holiday spirit through inspiration and entertainment.

Christmas trees are everywhere on the tour from bathtubs to his-and-her closets.

Gift baskets, wreaths, and tiered trays will be available for purchase. All money goes to Project Grad.

Catch a sneak peek on Facebook each day as the countdown continues.

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Cougar Stars Holiday Home Tour

December 10: 6 - 9 p.m.

December 11: 6 - 10 p.m.

For over 10 years, the Cinco Ranch Cougar Stars have hosted their annual Holiday Home Tour. While many fundraising events have been canceled due to the pandemic, the Cougar Stars’ booster club is taking steps to stay safe while allowing their fundraising event to go on.

The number of guests allowed in the homes at a time is being limited, and face masks are required. At the entry of each home, guests will find hand sanitizer and booties to cover their shoes. Extra masks will also be available.

Robin Palmer and her daughter Lily started decorating their home before Halloween. The Palmers own Palmer Events, an event planning business.

Robin Palmer's unique mermaid tree.

The Palmers followed a non-traditional/eclectic theme throughout their home. The main tree is decorated in jewel tones and mermaids.

“My favorite tree is the mermaid tree,” says Robin Palmer. “It is very unique.”

Robin’s husband plays recreational hockey in Houston, which provided the inspiration for another holiday tree. She designed a Boston Bruins themed tree for his office to honor their East Coast roots and his favorite hockey team.

Ready for Happiness

“This year with the pandemic, it seems folks are ready for some happiness,” says Robin Palmer. “We felt it was important to bring joy to our community during the difficult times and unusual circumstances.”

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased through a Cougar Star or at retailers: Beau Kisses, Cobblestone Cottage, and YaYa Club. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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