As some may know, this year I spent a majority of my time caring for my mother in Florida while my Boxwood team, here in Alexandria, stepped up in a way that touched my heart deeply. In this season of reflection and gratitude, I want to share just how much this Boxwood family and community means to me. While I was hundreds of miles away from the shop, I had complete confidence in my staff’s ability to keep Boxwood running smoothly. Their honesty, knowledge, and positive attitudes are unparalleled, plus they are amazing with you, our customers, and friends. 

Upon returning to Alexandria this past September after being in Florida for nearly six months, it was “gear up time” for the holiday season at Boxwood, and it was no easy task. My amazing team put everything down to be all-hands on deck to prepare. They jumped in hauling boxes here and there, unpacking box after box, and then tearing them all down to run to recycling. We probably had 300 or more boxes go through the shop this fall–all containing holiday merchandise! And the job didn’t end there. Then it was on to organizing, counting and putting price tags on every ornament, tea-towel, reindeer, garland, wreaths, plate, cup, candle...the list goes on and on. Once all that was done, the real fun began with transforming the shop, gearing up for the grand holiday reveal – all for you, our wonderful friends, customers and community.

This year has brought its fair share of challenges, notably the loss of my beloved mother. She herself was a shop owner for over 30 years. Everything I've learned as a shop owner, I owe to her. I couldn't have asked for a better role model. Despite the difficulties, being in the shop nearly every day these past few months and being surrounded by the incredible family we've become at Boxwood, makes me feel incredibly blessed.

This post is all about the people who make up Boxwood. My lifeline and the heartbeat of what makes Boxwood so special. It’s about Nancy Soyka, our leader, Cindy Kolbe, Gayle Palmer, Julie D’Attoma, Mary Elizabeth Duke, Glenda Walden, Lorrie HIll, Victoria Dowker, Alice Ackerson, and our new amazing talent, Claire D’Attoma. I also can’t leave out Mickey Sauls and Margaret O’Meara who have helped me make Boxwood what it is today.

I feel so blessed by you and all those who come into Boxwood to shop and support us. As a shop owner, there is nothing more gratifying when customers arrive in the shop, look around, and put on a huge smile and say “wow”. It is such a thrill. We have had a wonderful holiday season this year at Boxwood, thanks to you, and between my Boxwood family and this beautiful community we all live in, that is all I could ask for this Christmas. 

Thank you for being such an important part of Boxwood. May this Christmas season fill your home with joy, your heart with love, and your life with laughter. We look forward to seeing you in 2024!

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