Covington, VA (Dec. 7, 2025)— When it comes to the Christmas spirit, one might be hard-pressed to find a more festive couple than Alleghany County's own Melvin and Laura Snead. Each year, the Sneads — also known as "Milk and Honey"— hold an Open House, welcoming the public to join them — free of charge — for a viewing of the many Christmas trees set up and decorated both in and outside their home.
This year is no exception. In fact, the couple has set up 50 Christmas trees, some with their own classic themes. The Journal visited their beautifully decorated home and was privy to an early screening of their many trees. Our personal favorites were the Peanuts (as in Charlie Brown) tree and the Grinch tree. As it happens, nearly all of the decorations on each tree were hand-painted and designed by Melvin Snead. To say we were impressed would be an understatement.
"She just tells me what she wants, and I make it for her," Melvin said of his smiling wife, Laura. "He makes a lot of them," she said. "Anything wooden, he made it." It would seem the hand-painted ornaments give their trees an extra touch of magic.
The Sneads' Open House will be held this Saturday, December 13, "from 6:00 p.m. until whenever," at 5000 Johnson Creek Road. The event is free for everyone who wishes to attend, and anyone who wants to bring a dish is invited to do so, as well as partake in any goodies the Sneads will be serving. "Bring your babies, take pictures, and just have some fun with us," said Laura.
The Journal also conducted a brief interview with the Sneads and captured a few photos, which will all be available soon on the Alleghany Journal Facebook page. |  | Melvin Snead hand-painted many of the ornaments, including this one, that are used as decorations on their trees.
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