During his two decades living at Graceland, Elvis Presley would celebrate Christmas with his inner circle and their families in a private party that fans can only imagine – until now.
His cousin Billy Smith, who is one of the only people left alive who knew the real King, has previously shared incredible memories of what it was like to enjoy the holiday season with the star.
In an unearthed interview, the last surviving original Memphis Mafia member and his wife Jo started off by describing the festive decorations all over the mansion.
Billy said: “Golly. it was almost like living in a fantasy world. Elvis always liked the decorating of the place.”
As you entered Graceland the dining room would have a big white tree with red Christmas baubles and lots of presents around it. Every room in The King’s mansion would have a Christmas tree and food would be sitting everywhere for the Memphis Mafia and their families to help themselves. Yet it might not have been as formal an occasion as fans may have expected.
Jo said: “Inside Graceland was like a wonderland. It wasn’t a formal thing. It was never formal, it was just casual…everybody sitting around talking. He wanted to make sure everybody had a good time, everybody was comfortable, all the guys [and] their wives.”
Meanwhile, the Memphis Mafia’s children were free to just run all through the house. This would be Lisa Marie and her childhood friends including Billy and Jo’s son Danny – whose YouTube Channel Memphis Mafia Kid they were sharing their memories on.
When it came to Elvis’ present giving, Billy said: “His generosity spoke for itself.”
Elvis would hand out jewellery, fur coats, cars and always money to his inner circle.
Jo added: “Everybody got a Christmas bonus because he wanted to make sure everybody’s family had Christmas. He was like that all year long, but at Christmas, it was just special. It’s unforgettable.”