Photo Diary: Dollywood at Christmastime

Sharing a sweet little look at Dollywood all decked out for the holidays.

Grief is a strange beast.

Sometimes it renders you unable to move in its wake – and sometimes it drops you at Dollywood.

My grandmother loved Dolly Parton, and all she wanted for her birthday this year was for our family to gather together for a few days in the mountains of eastern Tennessee.

When we planned this trip several months ago, I never imagined that she wouldn’t be there to spend the weekend with us. What began as a birthday celebration became a trip in her honor, and it culminated with a visit to Dollywood on what would have been her birthday.

The day was filled with rollercoasters – both emotional and literal – but I was so grateful for the added warmth from the park’s holiday celebrations. Wherever you are, I hope this series of scenes from Dollywood at the holidays brings you a little cheer today.

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