Later this month, the local women’s shelter will open its doors to the community, as a way of saying thank you to all who have supported the ministry over the year.

But before the public can walk through the majestic 5th Concession East home, the house will be dressed in its holiday best – and that is Henson’s responsibility.

The Waterdown resident volunteered to decorate Drummond House for its first Christmas open house in 2006. Following a one-year hiatus, Henson was pleased to take the lead on the decorating project once again and looks forward to making it an annual event.

With decorations stored in the basement and other items donated by local retailers, Henson hopes to transform Drummond House into a whimsical and enchanting Christmas paradise.

The hallways and eight rooms, including the third floor loft, will be decked with festive items, while four Christmas trees will twinkle throughout the house.

Drawing her inspiration from various retailers’ holiday displays, Henson is still in the process of envisioning the full design and is meticulously sorting through all of the items that will be set up throughout the house.

“I will be going around to a lot of different retailers and picking up on all the different trends and fashions for this Christmas,” she said.

Although most of the planning has been left in Henson’s capable hands, she will be relying on the help of many volunteers to decorate Drummond House over the next week.

As the chair of the outreach committee at St. James United Church, Henson has enlisted the help of various members of the Parkside Drive church’s congregation. A team of four or five volunteers will be on hand each day, stringing lights, installing wreaths and setting the stage for the November 22 event.

Next Saturday, Drummond House will open its doors to the public. Live entertainment by local pianists will fill the home with warmth as guests walk through the women’s shelter. The Drummond House Board of Directors will also be on site, providing tours and answering questions about the organization.

Sales of bakery items, provided by the Soroptimist International club, and the Drummond House cookbook will boost the shelter.

“So many community people have helped us and supported us. It’s kind of nice to have that time with the community to say thank you and show them the facility,” said Debra Tigchelaar, Drummond House’s Executive Director.

While it is not expected, Drummond House would be happy to accept any monetary donations. And local residents with a knack for baking can also drop off any treats, which will be sold at the open house, on Friday, November 21 between 9 a. m. and 2 p. m.

Retailers interested in donating decorations for this year’s event or in showcasing their merchandise for next year’s open house can email Henson at christinefletcher@hotmail.com .

The Drummond House Christmas Open House and Bake Sale is slated for Saturday, November 22 from 1p.m.-6 p. m. The facility is located at 67 5th Concession East in Waterdown.