small town weekend

In an attempt to get my "handmade/support local businesses" Christmas shopping done early, my husband and I headed about 20 miles out of town to peruse what small town Illinois had to offer. It was a Sunday when we decided to go on our adventure, and it's a fact that next to NOTHING is open on a Sunday here. But we still found a few interesting places. The largest store we found was Winterberry, and it was filled to the brim with knickknacks, soaps, and antiques. It also smelled like a Christmas cookie factory.

This well-used bicycle greeted us as we walked into the large, brick building. As we walked in, the scent of cinnamon, maple, and cloves blasted our nostrils, and we assaulted them back with violent sneezes, calling the attention of the shopkeeper. She greeted us gingerly and eyed us up and down, the look of "ugh, young uns" apparent in her face.
The whole front part of the shop was full of Christmas paraphernalia. These Santa ornaments are all made of wax. Even those tiny candy canes are meant to be burned.

The holiday area of the store was divided into color-coded sections, and I managed to snap photos of the traditional red section, since after that the shopkeeper decided she would keep her eye on me and my shutter-happy fingers.  Towards the back of the store, loads of furniture and antique decor were housed. If I were a few hundred dollars richer, that union jack pillow would have come home with me. 

Even though the store had so many items in stock, from lotions to candles, to purses and every single table napkin design known to man, I came out with only two teeny purchases, which I cannot reveal since the recipients may read this post. Two pressies down, more to go. 
Have you started Christmas shopping yet?