Christmas 2009 was a major improvement over '08; our heartfelt thanks go to all our good friends who made it possible . While it may have been disappointing to some of you , we were gratified to sell out of , or at least way down on , quite a few lines : Schaller , Jim Shore , Beyer's Choice , beer steins , pyramids , etc. We leave at the end of January on our European buying trip . It is always exciting , even after all these years , to go see what is new with our regular suppliers , and to seek out unique new lines and products . This Christmas business is really a CRAZY one . Here we are, having barely shut down and gone into storage , and we are off to place our stocking orders for the upcoming Christmas ! Before the end of February , Cleo and I will have placed all our bets on what you are all going to LOVE for Christmas 2010 ! I have never been much of a gambler , but we more or less end up betting the farm each year , guessing what will be hot in ten months . Let's hope our crystal ball is in focus this year .

It was nice being back in our '07 location again . It makes setup much smoother , and we felt more at home . All of the Orland Park Village staff are a pleasure to work with , and we have become good friends with our neighbors at Jared's. We'll see what space is available come the end of August , but we plan to stay in Orland Park .

It was quite gratifying to see so many of our good friends from the Geneva area come out to see us this year . With the extension of I-355 the trip is a lot easier than it used to be . We hope you all enjoyed your visit , and come back again , it is so nice to get reaquainted with many of our old friends. We made a lot of new friends as well , almost one thousand NEW folks signed up to get on our mailing list !

People ask us how we like the business all the time . It IS a lot of hard work , and long hours . The best part of it all is you , our customers , our good friends . The nicest people are into Christmas big time , and we have made so many warm friendships . We trust that all of you had a wonderful Christmas , and wish you a happy and healthful New Year !!