11/24/09 “Perfect timing! The camel just got here. He was stuck in traffic.”   And so I was introduced to Aladdin, a very gentle 2 year old historic reenactor.

In 1787 George Washington, who was fond of  unusual animals and plants, paid 18 shillings to have a camel temporarily live at Mount Vernon for his guests at Christmas.

Over 200 years later, President Washington’s home is decked out for the Christmas season.

[Detail from the five-foot-wide and two-foot-tall gingerbread Mount Vernon replica by Roland Mesnier, former White House pastry chef.]

[Demonstrating the 18th-century chocolate-making process using an authentic colonial recipe.]

[Detail from one of the twelve Christmas trees in Mount Vernon ’s new facilities. This tree portrays: “George Washington, Farmer.” ]