Built by English architect George Hadfield for George Washington Parke Custis (step-grandson and adopted son of George Washington), Arlington House was home to Robert E. Lee from 1831 to 1861, and the annual holiday season was a time of much celebration for the Lee and Custis families.  

The annual return to Arlington House was an occasion near and dear to all family members. Indeed, beginning in 1831, Robert E. Lee returned to Arlington on 20 out of 30 Christmases, all while he was an active duty soldier.

Read more about the Lee/Custis Christmas traditions, and share your Arlington holiday memories, on Our Back Pages.