I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are excited about the official kick-off to Christmas! It’s Black Friday, or what we around Old Town lovingly refer to as Plaid Friday, and the sales have started. If you’re reading this by 8am, then head over to the store or our website to get 20 percent off everything. At 10am the discount goes to 10 percent off for the rest of the day! That’s a sweet opportunity to pick up a few new ornaments for your tree or for a gift.

If that weren’t enough, tomorrow, on Small Business Saturday, we will be giving a fun gift with purchase at both stores. We’d like to thank Michele Hatty Fritz of Meant To Be Calligraphy for helping us create the gift for Red Barn Mercantile. She’s a good friend and an amazing calligrapher! Also, at both stores, we will be making custom gift boxes on demand for you. Grab one of two sizes and fill ‘er up. Our team will be there to help you get creative and provide all the accoutrements you need at a special discounted price.

Ok, so now let’s talk trees. The supply chain derailed more than a few of our plans this year, but all in all, I’m very pleased with the selection of ornaments and holiday gifts we were able to bring you. Our 12 trees are still full of ornaments, and more arrive daily. Below is a sneak peek of what you can find in the store and online.

Alexandria is a dog - and cat - loving town, and we are here for it with our “Pet Friendly” tree. While we would love to have all the breeds available, we will just have to settle for the most popular. So, we have breeds such as chocolate labs like my Maggie and German Shepherds, like Champ and Major. Oh, and all the corgis and doodles!

“For the Littles” is full of all the things that make up childhood. Firetrucks, puppies, astronauts, rainbows, and sweet creatures are just a few of the playful ornaments that adorn this tree.  

“Americana” is our version of all things historical and political. This is a company town, and we are leaning into it again this year. Discover your favorite political figures, military affiliations, and historical landmarks in-store and online.

A few years ago, our customers started asking for sports-themed ornaments and, of course, we were happy to oblige. The “Sports” tree started out as a few ornaments on the shelf and has grown into a full-fledged, albeit small, tree. From Kobe Bryant to Soul Cycle to ACHS crew, this tree has an ornament for the sports junkie in your life.

To be honest, our “Hobbies” tree really is just a mishmash of a bunch of wonderful ornaments that I thought we needed. My daughter is a big sewer, so I wanted those ornaments and made a tree for them. If you have a gardener, artist, craftsman (or woman) who has a favorite pastime, then look no further.

COVID vaccines are definitely something to celebrate this year. With kids as young as five able to be vaccinated, I hope we are on the downhill slide of this thing. Our “Merry Vaxmas” tree adds a little humor to diffuse what has been two very challenging years. If you have fond memories of banana bread - or maybe you never want to make it again - or still have your sourdough starter working hard, then we’ve got you covered. Make room for Dr. Fauci and a face-masked Frosty on your tree this year!

Now I said we have 12 trees in the store, and that’s true, but I could not help myself and bought a few things for a “Pretty in Pastel” tree. It’s a tree we just didn’t have room for, but that I could not quit. So, while there is not a tree to point to, you will find pretty pink pastel goodies sprinkled throughout the store.

Well, there you have it! All 12 (plus a little extra) trees. I hope you find as much joy in trimming your tree at home as we have had in trimming these beauties!