The Southern Christmas Show (SCS) kicked off my Christmas celebrations this year. Held at The Park (formerly the Charlotte Merchandise Mart), the SCS is an Old Towne spectacle of décor, vendors, and shoppers, all enjoying the spirit of Christmas.
For me, the highlight is the individual rooms that are decorated for Christmas by a variety of interior decorators. My favorite this year was by Tammy Taylor of Tammy Taylor Interiors. Her take on the family room with it’s traditional colors and pulled together family room was merry and created a sense of holiday spirit.
My inner 5 year old came out with a visit to the Enchanted Village. Peeking into the windows of the dollhouses and miniature scenes created by National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (N.A.M.E.), I was thrilled. The work and details that go into each piece is amazing. I considered asking my husband if he would let me have a “doll house room” in our house!
After that, it was off to visit with with some of my favorite vendors and find a few new ones. North Carolina has been blessed a climate that is fabulous for growing and I was thrilled as always to see the NC Wine Association. You can sample the different varietals and pick which wine you like best to take home from the very knowledgeable vinters that are there to assist you. I headed over to see local favorite Augusta’s Creations. She was passing out samples of her ultra delicious homemade pimento cheese. It’s quite possibly the best I have ever tasted and worth a stop to say hello and try a sample. Southern Supreme was in attendance this year as well with their delicious fruitcakes. While I am not a fruitcake fan, theirs is one that I buy every year. It’s not fruity, but heavy on the walnuts.
Santa was visiting this year and with the assistance of CVS, was doing his job to raise money for the Shriners. Needless to say, yours truly climbed into Santa’s sleigh to have her picture taken with him.
From a fiscal perspective, I would say that some vendors experienced no change in sales year over year. However, after speaking to many vendors, you got the feeling it has been a tough year. They were hoping that the SCS would get them to break-even for the year.
Here’s hoping they got their Christmas Miracle.