A Little Christmas Magic, a Camera, and the Memories That Started It All

The story behind Christmas at the Tolleth House with Santa Rusty

Some of my favorite childhood Christmas memories happened at my aunt & uncle Ruschmans home. Every Christmas Eve, our family would gather, and at some point during the evening, Santa Claus would arrive with a big bag full of presents. As little kids, we thought it was the most magical thing in the world. Santa wasn't someone we stood in line to see at the mall. He actually came to visit us!

What we didn't realize for years was that Santa was my Uncle Glen. Somehow, he managed to sneak out of the house, change into his Santa suit, and return with presents without any of us figuring it out. Looking back, I can only imagine the planning that went into keeping that little tradition alive.

The funny thing is, I couldn't tell you what most of those presents were besides Barbies and the occasional potato or marshmallow gun. But I remember Santa walking through the door, the excitement, the laughter, and being surrounded by family. Those are the memories that stayed with me, and they're a big part of why Christmas has always meant so much to me.

The Love of Photography Started at Home

Growing up, my mom was always taking pictures. She was constantly gathering us girls together for another photograph, and I'm sure we rolled our eyes more than once. At the time, we didn't understand why she needed so many pictures. Now, I couldn't be more grateful that she insisted.

My dad also had a love for photography and always seemed to have a nicer camera. Looking back, I suppose I grew up surrounded by people who understood the importance of preserving memories, even before I appreciated it myself.

I first started learning Adobe programs in high school and fell in love with the creative side of photography. Years later, when I traveled to Iceland for Christmas, I bought my first big girl camera. I wanted to capture everything, not just what I saw, but what it felt like to be there.

Photography remained something I loved, but I never quite had the confidence to pursue it beyond a hobby. Sometimes we spend so much time wondering whether we're ready that we forget we can simply start.

And that's exactly what I'm finally doing.

From Gem State Christmas to the Tolleth House

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to start Gem State Christmas with Amber. That experience brought together so many things I love: Christmas, creativity, family traditions, and making memories. I'm incredibly grateful for that chapter and for the wonderful friends who have mentored, encouraged, and shared their photography knowledge with me along the way.

After a lot of consideration, I decided it was time to take on the photography side myself and create something that felt especially personal. It's exciting, a little intimidating, and something I've wanted to do for years.

This Christmas, we're introducing Christmas at the Tolleth House with Santa Rusty, a private Christmas experience inspired by those childhood visits from my uncle.

I don't want children to feel rushed through a line for a quick photograph or parents to over spend on something so special. I want them to actually spend time with Santa, keep the photos for a life time, share their Christmas wishes, listen to a story, enjoy cookies, and experience the excitement of finding their name on Santa's Nice List. Families can even arrange a special gift for Santa to surprise their little ones with during their visit.

And I couldn't imagine a better Santa than Rusty. He's patient, kind, funny, and has such a wonderful way of making children feel comfortable, whether they're running straight into his arms or need a little time to warm up.

Of course, the setting makes it even more special. Our sessions take place inside the historic 1907 Tolleth House in downtown Meridian. Instead of artificial backdrops, we've created a real, beautifully decorated Victorian Christmas setting, filled with the warmth and nostalgia of an old-fashioned holiday.

More Than Just a Christmas Photograph

I've always loved photographs that feel timeless, with rich colors, beautiful lighting, and a little of that nostalgic charm you might find in an old family album. That's the style I'm working toward as I continue growing as a photographer.

But more importantly, I want to capture the moments between the posed pictures. The way a child's face lights up when Santa knows their name, their little hands holding a Christmas cookie, or the excitement of sharing their biggest Christmas wish.

I want families to have photographs they'll treasure years from now, when those little ones aren't so little anymore.

And I want this to become a tradition families can return to year after year. I know how expensive holiday activities can become, which is why I've put so much thought into creating an experience that feels personal, meaningful, and within reach.

Here's to the Memories We Haven't Made Yet

The older I get, the more I understand why my mom was always taking pictures. Families grow, traditions change, and life moves faster than we'd like. Sometimes it's an old photograph that brings us right back to a moment we didn't realize would become so meaningful.

I often think about all the memories that have been made inside the Tolleth House since 1907. The Christmas mornings, family dinners, celebrations, and ordinary days that have become part of its history. Now, I get to help other families create and preserve their own little piece of that history.

I don't know if my parents, aunts and uncles ever realized how much those Christmas Eve would mean to me all these years later. They probably thought they were just making Christmas special for a few excited little kids. But they gave us something that lasted far longer than the presents.

Our family gave us a tradition.

And now, with a camera in my hands and a beautiful old house full of Christmas magic, I hope to pass a little of that tradition along to another family.

I can't wait to welcome you into our Christmas home.