My first Christmas! This tiny rocking chair was at my Mamaw and Papaw Howard’s house. We still have it!
Christmas in East Tennessee just hits different. I was scrolling through old photos this week and found myself lost in decades of holiday memories—from growing up in Polk County to celebrating in Knoxville with friends who’ve become family.
There’s something about Christmas in this part of the world. The lights on Market Square. The chill in the Smoky Mountain air. Christmas shows at WDVX & The Bijou. Front porches decorated with care in small towns where everybody knows your name.
It’s always one of my favorite events of the year seeing some of the Christmas WDVX shows.
These photos span years of Christmases. Some from when I was just a kid. Others with friends I’ve celebrated with for decades. And one very special Christmas with my mom—her last, as it turned out. She passed in early 2024, making these photos all the more precious.
Edna’s last Christmas. We always did Christmas big – church parties, beautiful Christmas trees and lots of presents (nothing too expensive) a perfect childhood. She loved this tiny tree when she was too weak to deal with more.
I’m sharing them here because that’s what the holidays are really about, isn’t it? Looking back. Feeling grateful. Holding onto the people and places that made us who we are. Merry Christmas, Knoxville. Merry Christmas, East Tennessee.
Merry Christmas from Rob, Amy & DickensCirca 1990 – my Aunt Melba (in the background) gave this picture to me this Thanksgiving. At Benton Bank – for many years – Mr. Robert Johnson, one of the greatest teachers at Benton Elementary, served as my dad’s “Santa” for Christmas pics. My Dad’s first Christmas at home in 1959! As a young teen he was rescued from an orphanage to live with my grandparents at what was to become Howard’s Pond.Amy & I hosted both sets of parents for Christmas lunch in 2019 at the Crown Plaza. Brandon & Brittany in one of my favorite action shots EVER!Amy & I pose with the “Knoxville Christmas Tree” downtown on Gay Street in Knoxville. Posing with Albert, my dad, at the Polk County Christmas parade this year 2025. Carrie Mays & Christina Black after Hutch & Howard Christmas party 2024I snapped this picture of Amy with her parents Lynn & Stuart at Founder’s Park Christmas in Farragut. One of the amazing homes featured in past years at the Old North Knoxville Christmas Home Tour. Santa & Krampus joined us at Shulz Brau – posing with my sister-in-love Robyn and our awesome friend Ashley Manning and their pups. Wonderful old memories at a KW Christmas party. Adam still always looks like he’s up to something!Friends & teammates at KW Christmas party 2025. Devin Pressley, Carrie Mays, me and Brandon Hutchison.
Rob Howard | Knoxville Realtor and Author | KnoxvilleRob | Frank Merchant Mysteries
Rob Howard is more than just a Knoxville, TN real estate agent; he is the author who captures the story of Knoxville. 23+ year industry veteran, Rob combines the data-driven expertise of a top-producing team with the narrative insight of a local historian and novelist.
Rob’s unique approach to real estate. Rob has focused on "wandering, listening, and absorbing" Knoxville since becoming a student at the University of Tennessee in 1991. Rob's relational approach to Knoxville and East Tennessee real estate earned him a feature in Jay Papasan’s (co-author of The One Thing) acclaimed book on real estate success. Whether navigating the revitalization of Downtown Knoxville, the historic charm of Fourth and Gill, or the community fabric of Farragut, Rob helps clients understand the true character of the neighborhoods they are buying into.
Beyond the closing table, Rob is the author of the Frank Merchant mystery series, set locally in Knoxville and around East Tennessee. He leverages this deep knowledge of the region’s history and culture to help relocation clients and locals alike find not just a house, but their place in Knoxville’s story.
Specialties: Knoxville Relocation, Historic Homes, Luxury Real Estate, and East Tennessee Investment Properties.
Connect with Rob: 🌐 Search Homes: KnoxvilleRob.com 📚 Read the Books: RealEstateMystery.com 📸 Follow the Journey: @KnoxvilleRob on all social media!
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