Holiday Haven
For those looking to customize their villages , the store offers a wide selection of accessories , from tiny trees and lampposts to snow-covered pathways and figurines . “ People spend hours creating their villages ,” says Steve . “ They come back year after year to add new pieces — whether it ’ s a new building , a few trees , or some street lamps to line their pathways .”
Beyond the glimmering lights , joyful displays , and enchanting villages , the Country Christmas Loft is also a place that embodies the spirit of giving . One of the most heartwarming aspects of the Mayfields ’ work is their involvement with Toys for Kids , a Vermont-based nonprofit that ensures that no Vermont child goes without a toy during the holiday season . “ When we bought the store 11 years ago , one of the first things we did was reach out to John Walsh , who founded Toys for Kids in Vermont ,” explains Steve . “ He was looking for a place to store the barrels they use to collect donations , and we were more than happy to help . Ever since then , we ’ ve worked with them every year .”
Today , the upstairs warehouse of the Country Christmas Loft serves as the storage and distribution center for the charity ’ s massive toy drive . “ Before the start of the Holiday season , we house hundreds of barrels upstairs , which are ready to go out to different locations all over the state ,” says Steve . “ It ’ s a quiet thing we do behind the scenes , but it ’ s something that ’ s really important to us .” This partnership with Toys for Kids is just one example of how the Country Christmas Loft is more than just a store — it ’ s a part of the greater Vermont community . “ Vermont has this incredible tradition of taking care of its own ,” Steve says . “ It ’ s what makes this place so special . People come here not just to shop – but to be part of something bigger .”
The Country Christmas Loft is also a paragon of environmental sustainability . “ What most people don ’ t realize is that the entire building is powered by solar energy ,” reveals Steve . “ Everything you see here — every light , every display , even the heating and air conditioning — runs on solar power . We generate more energy than we use .” Although their sustainable technology
is certainly advanced , the Mayfields emphasize that the Country Christmas Loft will forever remain deeply rooted in tradition . “ We ’ ve created a space where people can step away from the everyday hustle and feel the Holiday joy , no matter the season .” says Deb Mayfield . “ Whether it ’ s through the villages , the ornaments , or the lights , people come here to build memories and traditions with their families . What keeps me going is seeing how happy people are when they walk through the door . No matter how bad of a day someone ’ s having , they walk in here and their face lights up .”
As the holiday season approaches , the Country Christmas Loft is gearing up for another year of festive fun . Whether you ’ re looking to find the perfect ornament , explore the magical villages , or simply get lost in the holiday spirit , this treasured Vermont institution is ready to welcome you with open arms — and a hearty helping of timeless Holiday cheer . n
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