Have you ever dreamed of shopping in a European Christmas market and just haven’t made that trip yet? Until you do plan that excursion, check out The Christmas Shoppe on Hauptstrasse in our own historic downtown Boerne. That’s Main Street in this German town in the Texas hill country. Nestled between unique boutiques that attract visitors and residents alike, you’ll find the magic of Christmas all year round.
The Giddens opened the shop in 1996 when they moved the merchandise from his mother’s storefront in Baton Rouge. And since that time Boerne is proud to claim The Christmas Shoppe as one of its mainstays. Current Head Elf Emily Carvalho began her holiday-centered career one bustling, magical Dickens night in 2003 as a part-time elf and knew by the end of that evening that she had found her calling.
Emily and Tony had been married two months and were moving into their new home in Boerne when Giddens offered her the sale of the shop. She shyly asked her new father-in-law for a loan and was thrilled when he said it was a tremendous idea! Already knowing the ins and outs of a retail business and having a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from UTSA, Emily told me she was ecstatic to carry on the Gidden’s family business for years to come.
Loving Boerne, loving the Shoppe, and loving her customers, Emily’s positive attitude, bubbly personality and innovative ideas come through in the atmosphere of the shop. She will be happy to help you create an amazing holiday for your family to cherish. Tony sees The Christmas Shoppe as a tremendous blessing and hopes to help “keep ‘Christ’ in ‘Christmas,’ and every other holiday, and every day in between.”
When I visited Emily, I also met S’more, The Christmas Shoppe’s resident Elf on the Shelf. You can always find S’more on social media posts and the shop’s blog space. You never know when he is going to show up at other storefronts or checking to see if children have been naughty or nice. S'more loves to share stories, tips, recipes, and odd bits of information he's picked up around town. He may also throw in an occasional coupon for his closest friends.
Oh, and if you’re looking for items for other times of the year, there is always a display on the table as you walk into the shop. The Christmas Shoppe is located at 132 S. Main Street; the phone number is 830-816-2176; if you prefer to shop online, the website is https://thechristmasshoppetx.com/.
“Celebrate Always” Where It’s Christmas Everyday! 1 Thessalonians 5:16
