For Collette and Ginette

Stockings are currently a hot topic of discussion. Many families are fortunate enough to have heirloom stockings that were lovingly made by their mamas, grandmamas and other talented family members. Time marches on and beloved seamstresses, cross stitchers, quilters and other uniquiely talented women pass from this world but they leave behind a legacy of treasures we cherish. At the same time, as a symbol of hope, new babies are born into our families and we realize this child will never have one of Mimi's beautiful needlepoint stockings. As Christmas
rolls around we think about our family traditions and collections and begin to search for something to remind us and fit with our current collection. There's no way to match the love that was put into every stitch of the homemade stockings, tree skirts, ornaments and other treasures that adorn our homes during the holiday season. The best we can do is keep the spirit of Christmas and the memories of our loved ones alive in our heart. May the joy and love of the season and family memories permeate your heart. Thanks for stopping in : )

Love, love, love these Trees

Flocked trees are hot
this season. The Christmas
Store has traditional white flocked trees with either clear or multi-colored lights and we have pink and red flocked trees. The red flocked tree even has a matching red flocked wreath. These trees are unique and beautiful and are going fast. Call us at 800-944-1882 or come by soon if a new tree is in your future. We'll see you in the 'burg. : )

25 Years of Christopher Radko

Woo Hoo! Christopher Radko's senior designer, Mario Tare', will be making his first visit to our store on October 16th. On that day we will host an Artist Signing Event.

First let me tell you about Mario. He is one of the nicest guys in the world. I met him last year at an event in Midland hosted by Miss Casey's Christmas Store and then again in Dallas this past January.

Mario is Christopher Radko's founding designer and now 25 years later is the senior designer for the company. In my opinion, Mario is one of kind. He brings vast talent and dedication to the company and his innovative design techniques ensure that each creation is worthy of the "Radko" name and legacy.

The ornament shown is entitled "Final Touch" and is this years Ambassador Signing Event Ornament. It is a spectacular 6 inch beauty and retails at $59.00. This ornament will only be available at stores hosting Artist Signing Events this fall and winter.

Collectors, here is your chance to add a gorgeous keepsake to your collection. If you are not able to attend our event on October 16th we would be happy to have Mario sign this ornament for you and then we will ship it to you.

Please contact us at 1-800-944-1882 or visit us online at http://www.christmasstorefred.com/ to place an order. As always, thanks for your continued support ;-)

Seasonal Whispers

Beads, wires, crystals, pearls and charms...they have it all
An amazing array of colors, styles and price points

We love Seasonal Whispers...love it!

A new shipment of our favorite bracelets have arrived from New York. The designers at Seasonal Whispers have outdone themselves with their Fall line. The colors are rich and beautiful and will look stunning with the gorgeous Fall fashions. These bracelets are particularly desireable since they are lightweight AND striking. They have just the right amount of bling to make life interesting.

Some women prefer to wear several bracelets of the same style while others prefer to mix and match. I'm a mix and match kind of woman, and as far as I'm concerned, the more the merrier ;-)

These bracelets are very popular with brides who use them as gifts for their bridesmaids. They make wonderful mementos to mark the special occasion and the ladies standing up for their friends have fun amassing a collection to commemorate special events in their lives. Come by and see us soon and let us show you this truly unique collection.

Spring Street Design Group

Lots of bling on the Elegance Flower Ring.
What a statement ring!

My friend Lynn, the Christopher Radko Sales Manager for Texas, already bought a ring like this. That woman has great taste in pert near everything.

My fave! Gorgeous white enamel ring with crystals, faux pearl and gold edging.

Look what's new at The Christmas Store. June Market in Dallas proved to be sensational for us. We picked up a new line of jewelery from Spring Street Design Group that is so fun and fresh and priced right, to boot. Gotta love it! We found new and amazing merchandise to compliment our current of array of goodies. Plan a trip to the 'burg soon to see all the fun stuff. Thanks for stopping in to visit. We'll see y'all soon ;-)

Texas Two-Step House

700 square foot house. Great for relaxing.
Beautiful living area for hanging out.

Queen size bed in a lovely bedroom
A rustic kitchen.

For years now our customers and friends have been asking us to recommend a place to stay in town. Recently we started thinking that it would be nice to have a place of our own to rent so we can recommend suitable accomodations without hesitation. Over the past few months we have been working on fixing up the Texas Two-Step House and it is 99.9% ready for occupancy. The next time your travels bring you to Fredericksburg please consider staying at our quiet and quaint property in the northwest part of town just a few blocks from Main Street. For more information please call 830*992*0925. See y'all in the 'burg and thanks for visiting ;-)

Inge-Glas of Germany

Silent Night Chapel. Exclusively designed mouth blown and hand painted Heirloom ornament in a wooden gift box.4 1/4", $41.50.

We Love Oktoberfest, 3 3/4", $21.00

Favorite Fellow. 2 1/4", $18.00.

Blessings. 2 1/4", $18.00.

We are pleased to present our new 2010 line of beautiful Inge-Glas Heirloom ornaments. These ornaments are blown in original molds by master glassblowers in Germany and hand painted with nostalgic paint colors reminiscent of the 1900's. These ornaments are produced in traditional workshops in Neustadt by Coburg in Northern Bavaria. I love the porcelain look of these ornaments. They are truly masterpieces!

Are Y'all Ready for Some Peaches?

Peach picking has begun in earnest for the 2010 season. Roadside stands will begin to spring up all over the countryside selling peaches and other fruits, veggies, preserves and such.

This years peach crop in Gillespie County is shaping up to be the best in at least six years. The peach tree in my yard was so heavy with fruit it fell over a few days ago :-(

The first varieties, which are clingstones, are ripening now and will continue through May. June will bring semi-freestones to the table. It is expected that the harvest will continue into August.

This is Gillespie County at it's finest. God Bless the farmer and the rancher and remember...never cuss a farmer with your mouth full. Come and get it!

This Little Light of Mine

Candle Stick Twist Lamp $105.00

Wooden Twist Lamp $105.00

Tapered Candle Stick Lamp with Leopard Print Shade $105.00Traditional Candlestick Lamp $92.00

I have always loved useful and beautiful objects for my home. When you come right down to it lamps are one of the most useful items out there. They are not just another interesting chachtcke but instead are a real necessity. If you are wanting to freshen up your home with a new lamp we currently have a great selection at phenomenal prices. Come check it out, we'll leave the light on!

On the Road Again.....

The first stop was in Bastrop! Not sure if this one is still operating but I love the name: Gin-U-Wine Oyster Bar.

Our second stop was in Columbus. This Texas Historical landmark was built in 1883. The building served as a water tower and fire house until 1912 and is now The Confederate Memorial Museum.

Columbus purports to be Elegant, Energetic and Authentically Texas. The problem was the store we were planning on visiting was closed. Grrrrrr!

Awesome courthouse on the square in Columbus.

I forgot to take photos in Katy. We are now in Houston. I am continuing to do some strategic benchmarking which involves observing how others compete. This is the best part of my job. I love to visit other wonderful stores and see their displays, merchandise and design. It is refreshing to be able to talk to others in the retail industry and find out what's up in their neck of the woods.

Peace Out Y'all, It's Earth Week

The whole "Peace" kit n kaboodle!

Radko Hippie Chick, a.k.a. Moon Beam (I just made that up)

Groovy Latte travel mug and peaceful absorbent coaster.

...all with abandon

The Love Bug rocks!

So, here's some news Baby Boomers...apparently, Generation Z (those born between 1994 and 2008) are under the impression that their generation invented the peace sign. (Guffaw, sputter, chuckle). Here's the scoop, Gen. Z.

The internationally recognized symbol for peace was originally designed for the British nuclear disarmament movement. It was designed and completed on February 21, 1958 by Gerald Holtom, a professional designer and artist in Britain for the April 4 march planned by the Direct Action Committee Against Nuclear War from Trafalgar Square in London. The symbol was later adopted by the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. It was adopted by first the 1960's anti-war movement then the counterculture, and finally the popular culture of the time.

So now you know, as Paul Harvey famously stated, the rest of the story.

New Department 56 rocks the House!

Swan Pond (animated accessory) $45.00

Tom's Foods-Original Snow Village-$85.00

Christmas at Grandma's House-Original Snow Village-$85.00

SVPD Precinct 56-Original Snow Village-$90.00

Rusty's Used Cars-Snow Village Halloween-$125.00

The bulk of our Department 56 order will ship in the summer, but in the mean time, we have received two of every new piece for 2010. One to show and one to go! These cuties must be seen in person to appreciate them to the fullest, so make plans to visit. Spring is so beautiful here. The weather is pleasant and the countryside is covered with beautiful wildflowers. See you soon in the 'burg and, thanks for visiting ;-).

Book it on Down to The Christmas Store

Fascinating read about our favorite Rock, which is located north of town on Ranch Road 965 (Milam).Texas has an amazing variety of campgrounds. This book will help campers determine the lay of the land. Even seasoned veterans will learn of new areas to check out.

Now is the time this guide comes in handy. The fields and roadsides are teeming with wildflowers.

Yep. This one is about our favorite town.

We are now carrying an excellent variety of books. We have childrens books, cookbooks, Texas books, Westerns and more. Come on in and check out our great selection. New titles are brought in weekly. So come in soon and come in often.

This one's for Peg

The Purple Wall with hundreds of new Christopher Radko ornaments!

Shiny Brite Signature Flocked Ornaments $16.95 for set of 6

Sleighful Dateful $52.00

Rock 'n Wrapped $49.00

Healthy Holiday $49.00

Get well soon Peg. We have lots of Radko to place in good homes!