As we step into this new season, coming off the remarkable celebration of our 40th anniversary in 2024, I found myself wondering how we could possibly capture the same spirit and emotion we felt last year. Yet, as soon as our doors opened for the season, it became abundantly clear that the joy of Christmas had not diminished—it had deepened. Our theme this year, “Rediscover the Joy of Christmas,” perfectly captures the essence of what we experienced each day in the Retail Gallery. Whether meeting a first-time visitor or reconnecting with collectors who have been with us for decades, there was a shared sense of gratitude and wonder. Many simply walked through our doors, looked around, and said, “Thank you.”

When you work in the retail industry—especially one centered around Christmas—it can be easy to get lost in the details of the season. But time and again, we were reminded to pause, breathe, and take in the beauty of what we have built together. The Retail Gallery is more than a store; it is a place where time slows down, where the world outside fades away, and where visitors can truly rediscover the simple joy that Christmas brings. To those who took a moment to step into that world, to immerse themselves in the peace and wonder of the holidays, we are deeply grateful.

This year, we welcomed a record number of new collectors—something we never take for granted. Whether drawn by our Christkindlesmarkt, a weekend in the Yuletide Wine Garden, or the quiet invitation of our chalkware displays, these encounters have reaffirmed the timeless connection between art, tradition, and human spirit. Every new face and every familiar smile remind us that our work—rooted in fine art, craftsmanship, and family tradition—continues to inspire new generations of collectors.

It was also a year of heartfelt farewells and reflection. After sixteen extraordinary seasons performing A Christmas Carol on our stage, Gerald Charles Dickens joined us for his final American performances before retiring from touring in the United States. For more than a decade and a half, Gerald’s storytelling has transformed our theatre into something magical—a place where laughter, tears, and the true meaning of Christmas intertwined. His final bow was bittersweet, marking the end of an era that brought us, and so many of you, closer to the heart of Dickens’s message: that kindness, redemption, and generosity are timeless virtues. We wish him the very best as he continues his performances in the United Kingdom and remain forever grateful that he became part of our family’s tradition—and yours.

As we navigated this year, we were reminded of the realities of being one of only two remaining family-owned companies in America still handcrafting Christmas. The challenges are real, yet our commitment has never been stronger. My father often recalls how, in 1984, more than a hundred domestic companies were producing Christmas goods. Today, that number has dwindled, but our purpose endures. Since the pandemic, the demand for our fine art, made-in-America chalkware has reached new heights. To meet this growing enthusiasm while staying true to our values, we have expanded our team with talented, kind-spirited artisans who share our dedication to quality and tradition. Each new team member strengthens our ability to uphold Judi’s artistic vision—a blend of history, craftsmanship, and contemporary design that continues to define our work.

To our collectors—both those who have been with us since the beginning and those discovering us for the first time—thank you. Thank you for choosing to celebrate Christmas not only as a holiday, but as a tradition. Thank you for honoring the memories of the past, cherishing the beauty of the present, and believing with us in the promise of the future.

May this season remind us all to slow down, to look around, and to rediscover the joy of Christmas—the kind of joy that lives not just in our homes and galleries, but in the hearts of all who still believe in the wonder of the season.

Merry Christmas!

Luke M. Vaillancourt and the entire Vaillancourt family