Category: News from UK Christmas Store

Where do I begin with this one?

All I can say is it’s brought home to me how much I do myself instead of getting my family to help. We are a family business after all. But when one person does the majority of the work, and that person becomes ill, well, it all goes a bit pear shaped.

Anyway, this tale of the life of a small business owner began on 27/9/24, when I started to feel a little unwell just before heading out for my part time job in a local primary. I soldiered on until I couldn’t anymore, got sent home and was at the urgent treatment centre by 8 pm, in pain and being sick. I’ll spare you too many yucky details, but it was the worst pain I’ve had aside from childbirth.

After treatment we were sent back home with instructions to return if things didn’t improve. Over the weekend, although the pain and sickness were under control I wasn’t improving, so on the first of October we got a last minute appointment with my GP.

It didn’t take her long to arrange a transfer to hospital, where I had treatment for sepsis – lots of antibiotics in one arm and bloods taken from the other. It transpires that I have gallstones (joy) and had perforated my gall bladder which had then got infected – I was poorly!

During this time, all you wonderful lot started shopping for Christmas. Our system works where I print all paperwork, find the items and relevant box to send them out, and my hubby packs the order as he’s very good at that. But with me out of action I quickly had to help my daughter learn how to send/find items etc, all via text message while feeling out of it. She’s done an outstanding job but I know not all the paperwork went in with your orders so I apologise for that.

I’m back home now, still on antibiotics but gaining strength every day. I’m now putting robust systems in place so that should I ever get ill again, or need time off for my operation, the business should run smoothly without me. Is your business able to keep trading without you?

Cari xx

Our latest stock delivery arrived on Friday. I actually think I got a bit carried away, now I’ve seen all the different Christmas decor I ordered.

If you are thinking of refreshing your Christmas Tree decorations this year, then we are sure to have something for every style!

These cute wooden cat and dog faces come as a box set of 8, and will fit nicely with a pet owners tree. Aren’t they adorable?

There’s nothing like the jingle of bells at Christmas, and this box set of bells can decorate your tree or maybe be put to use by a crafter?

These mini mugs are the perfect size to decorate your tree, and come in three different designs. I can’t choose a favourite, so I’d suggest getting a couple of each design to make a feature on your tree this year.

Another one for pet owners or farmers – these animal filled stockings come in four designs. I think my favourite is the dog one, but the cow is quite cute too.

How do you style your tree?

Cari

My supplier has been in touch while I was at work, saying they have more of my order ready to send.

‘Great’ I thought, ‘but where can I store it?’

In this next delivery will be some stunning Christmas decor items including this lovely train snow scene. It won’t be arriving for a few weeks, so I’m trialing a pre-order system as there are only a few of each decoration and once we start the Christmas markets they won’t hang around!

Do you have young children who still send a letter to Santa? Maybe this post box is just what you need for Christmas 2024. In traditional festive colours it will look lovely hanging either on your tree or from a door handle.

I’m in the process of adding all the pre-order (all ten boxes!) Christmas loveliness to our website so please keep checking back to snap up your favourite tree decorations and ornaments for this festive season.

Every January/February we toddle off to a trade fair and plan what we think you will love for the next festive season. Now we have had the first of our deliveries, I’ve decided to put together a little shopping list to help you choose your festive decor – go on, treat your Christmas tree to something new!

Soft furnishings are new to our range this year, and this soft and squishy cushion is the perfect addition to your cosy chair or guest bed. Featuring a Robin it is understated autumnal decor.

Musical must haves, this range of carousels and spinning ornaments gives you plenty of choice and will amuse young and old alike. Full of festive characters and charm, they will sit nicely on a shelf or window ledge.

Something for the children, these lovely colourful letter to Santa wooden decorations have a small pocket for you to add a note. The wooden red and white trains are amazing value and who wouldn’t love to bring a piece of the North Pole to their home?

With lots more to come, what are your top picks from our new range?

Cari xx

I know it’s August, but I am right in the thick of sorting everything ready for the autumn season. Last year I didn’t have systems in place to cope with the rush of online customers, but this year – well, what is it they say about best laid plans? We will see how it pans out.

Our new Christmas range for 2024 should be arriving in a matter of weeks, and I’m excited. We’ve gone bigger and better this year, although I’m slightly worried we don’t have space for it all. We have bells, carousels and trains a plenty, so there should be something for everyone.

I’m also excited to have a chalet at the lovely Wynyard Hall Christmas Market. We are still working out how we are going to display everything, as we are so used to a table we can sit behind. We want to make the most of this opportunity to grow our customer base which means investing in more display equipment – any words of wisdom very welcome!

We will also be back at Gisborough Hall, as well as the monthly markets nearer to York. It would be lovely to see you at one of the events but if you live further afield the website is ready and will have the new range added as soon as it arrives.

I’ve just got a few more tweaks to do in our new stock room and it is all systems go!

Cari xx