We begin this week with the Brickhouse Tavern, a casual Italian-American restaurant and bar where friends gather over world-class pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and salads.

And there is an interesting back story regarding this building due to its destruction by fire in 1842. It was rebuilt many years later (in 1936) with much the same design as the original. In addition to the restaurant, the Brickhouse Tavern offers rooms to rent, as was the case before the fire. Curiously, there are reports of visits by spirits of former Tavern guests. The spirits still seem to want to follow their normal practices from when they stayed here as lodgers in 1770, and to share a bed with you!

Usually, it is a female spirit slipping into bed with those living on the first floor (due to the practice in colonial days that women were lodged on the first floor), or a male spirit may try this same action on the second floor (where men historically were lodged). The spirits seem confused if a woman is sleeping on the second floor, or a male is sleeping on the first floor.

Various buildings in Colonial Williamsburg were open to visitors — and what a delight to see the hand-made Christmas decorations — no lights, no manufactured ornaments — just people sharing with their guests. BTW, note the squirrels on the mantel and the cat to the right of the fireplace. Way cool.

In this home, we were shown the dining room with the table complete with place settings for tonight's dinner guests (we would have loved an invitation). And, of course, note the beautiful centerpiece on the dining room table — and a well-decorated Christmas tree in the corner. Nice!

In another home, I was struck by the artistic food creations. I certainly know that modern cooks and chefs make similar creations but I was surprised that the practice dated before television (although I should not have been surprised).

I believe that this building was a simple home. Not only do I love the decorations, but I also love the dormer windows on the second floor. During my growing-up years, I often visited relatives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland (not that far away) and stayed in their homes that also featured dormer windows — and I loved them then.

And WOW! This decoration took my breath away. Enough said!!!

Here we see another living room complete with a fireplace and decorations on the mantle. Well done!

Next are stairs with banisters decorated with greenery and ribbons. These also reminds me of my grandmother's house and great-grandfather's house. Both had banisters that we kids could slide down — it was great fun back in the day.

Next up is Tarpley & Company (now Tarpley, Thompson & Company) — an 18th-century fashion emporium. They say, "Outfit the entire family with ready-made coats, waistcoats, breeches, petticoats, short gowns, cloaks, mitts, caps, beautifully decorated straw hats, and more —all made in Williamsburg. Complete your look with fashionable jewelry and accessories."

Here we see another interior with a fireplace — this one screened off — I assume to keep guests from getting too warm.

By the way, I must apologize for the interior shots — Kodachrome 64 was best at outdoor shots. And Photoshop can help but there are limits to its ability to fix poorly lit subjects.

And here is another beautifully decorated table awaiting holiday guests. It exudes such wonderful hospitality. Even though we were not invited for dinner, we still felt the warmth of the seasonal customs.

And who can pass up a magnificently framed double door, complete with family portraits on either side? Not me.