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Tag: Holiday Market

Fun Holiday Things to Do in Main Line PA

As we approach the end of 2023, many families in the Main Line area are searching for exciting holiday activities to engage in. Fortunately, you and your family have many options for fun holiday things to do in Main Line, PA, during this festive period. Below is information about some of Main Line, PA’s most enjoyable holiday events.

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Visit the Burkholder Holiday Market

Burkholder’s annual Holiday Market is a popular event that our team and many residents eagerly anticipate. You can find thoughtful and unique gifts for friends and family at the market and purchase a fresh cut Christmas tree or other holiday decorations. The Holiday Market is family-friendly, with many fun activities for children, such as visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus and their reindeer. The market also features local food trucks with delicious options for purchase, as well as complimentary hot chocolate, or wine and beer for adults 21+. Burkholder’s Holiday Market provides a fun shopping and community experience for everyone.

A Longwood Christmas

An annual holiday event in Main Line, Longwood Gardens hosts a Christmas festival from November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024. The festival will showcase the beauty of botanical artistry, featuring an array of floating floral designs, festive trees adorned 

Shelf of snowmen poinsettias | Fun Holiday Things to Do | Burkholder Holiday Market

with gilded garlands, beautiful blooms, and an extravagant floral shop dressed up for the holiday season. Outside, visitors can enjoy botanically-inspired light displays, explore enchanting treehouses, and savor the sounds of the season.

Town with Christmas decorations | Fun Holiday Things to Do | Burkholder Holiday Market

Wild Lights at the Elmwood Park Zoo

Mark your calendars for a magical experience at Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown. From November 18 to December 30, 2023, the zoo will transform into a breathtaking winter wonderland. Covering 16 acres of land, millions of LED lights and beautiful decorations will adorn the zoo premises. You can also find live entertainment for all ages. The event will take place from 5:00 to 9:00 PM every night.

West Chester Christmas Parade

One holiday event in Main Line you should mark on your calendars is West Chester’s famous Christmas Parade. The parade takes place on December 1 at 7:00 PM. Attendees can expect to see some of Chester County’s favorite performers and some new and exciting additions. This year, the parade will feature marching bands, award-winning floats, and spectacular performances. Of course, the parade’s highlight will be Santa’s much-anticipated appearance!

Holiday Music Series

West Chester offers a festive event, the Making Spirits Bright Holiday Music Series, which starts on November 25 and runs every Saturday at 2:00 PM until December 16. You and your family can attend the event at the Historic Courthouse to enjoy your favorite holiday songs performed by different artists, including the West Chester Music Academy.

Winter Luminary Nights

Another fun holiday thing to do in Main Line PA is the Winter Luminary Nights held by Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens. This event will take place on December 8-10 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM and promises to be a magical experience for you and your family. Celebrate winter light by strolling along luminary-lined paths, enjoying illuminated lanterns by the pond, and taking a holiday photo in front of the giant wreath.

We look forward to seeing you at Burkholder Brothers’ Holiday Market

Visit the Burkholder Holiday Market in Main Line, PA, for unique gifts and fresh, locally-grown Christmas trees. Enjoy family-friendly events like marshmallow roasting and visits from Santa. Come, browse, and make unforgettable memories this holiday season.

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Burkholder Announces 7th Annual Holiday Market in Malvern

October 31, 2023 – Malvern, Pennsylvania – Burkholder Brothers has announced that their annual Holiday Market will open on Friday, November 10th, 2023. The event will mark the seventh year that Main Line area residents can find a fun, family-friendly place to get Christmas trees, decorations, gifts and enjoy holiday activities. Held at the Burkholder Design Center, the Holiday Market offers freshly cut Pennsylvania-grown Frazer fir Christmas trees, wreaths, faux trees, and a large assortment of unique gifts.

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7th Annual Holiday Market Hours

November 10th – December 23rd
Tuesday – Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm

The Holiday Market will be closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Eve.

Beginning November 18th, deemed Customer Appreciation Day, the Annual Holiday Market will feature weekend events and offer visitors hot chocolate and complimentary wine and beer for adults. Local food trucks will also provide catering on select days. Some of the events at the Holiday Market include visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus and their reindeer, the Grinch, plus face painting, and more. These events will continue through December 23rd.

Co-owner Mark Burkholder commented, “As a community-focused business, we love this time of year because it’s our chance to create a super fun event for families. Our residents can come down and get their trees from a local farm. We’re excited to bring them more events this year to help make amazing memories, meet new friends, enjoy delicious local food, watch the kids have fun, and pick up some unique gifts.

Frazer fir Christmas trees from 5-12 feet tall will be available at the market beginning Thanksgiving week. Various local food trucks will provide special food and drink options on select days. The complete schedule of events are featured on the company website at https://www.burkholderlandscape.com/holiday/. Last minute changes to the schedule may be found on the Holiday Market Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/burkholderholidaymarket

About Burkholder Brothers Landscape Design Company

Burkholder Brothers has been in business for nearly 30 years and provides an “all-inclusive” business for Main Line residents. The company handles all aspects of landscaping, from designing outdoor living areas, hardscapes and softscapes to installing and maintaining the various aspects of the design and landscape. For more information regarding Burkholder Landscape’s services or the company’s annual holiday market, call 610-624-8687 or visit the Burkholder website: https://www.BurkholderLandscape.com.

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Burkholder Explores Ways to Get into the Holiday Spirit

The holiday season is in full swing, and many homeowners and residents around Main Line are looking for ways to get into the holiday spirit. Many families will be playing festive songs or baking cookies together to feel more joyous. Watching holiday-themed movies is also a tradition during this time of year. Other families like to get into the holiday spirit by shopping for gifts, picking out Christmas trees, and decorating their homes. Those are all activities and events you and your loved ones can look forward to and help get you into the holiday spirit.

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Listen to Holiday Music

Playing holiday-themed songs is a great way to make your home feel more festive and warm during the chilly winter. From modern pop to traditional choirs, Christmas music helps enhance the winter atmosphere. In addition, music is a must if you invite friends and family for a holiday gathering. If you or your family have personal favorite Christmas songs, go onto a music app like Spotify or Apple Music and make your own playlist. Or you can choose from hundreds of other playlists that include various holiday songs based on specific themes like carols, genres, and periods.

Bake Cookies

Food is always a favorite way to get into the holiday spirit, especially sweet treats. The holidays are an excellent time for you and your family to try some new recipes in addition to tried-and-true favorites. Look up cookie recipes online, and if you find one that catches your attention (or looks delicious), jot the recipe down and try making it. You might also consider putting a new twist on traditional family recipes and pair your treats with hot chocolate or other festive drinks. Baking with your family and sharing cookies with your friends or neighbors helps everyone enjoy the holidays.

Baked Cookies | Get into the holiday spirit by visiting the Burkholder Holiday Market!
Christmas Light Display with Blue Lighted Tree | Get into the holiday spirit at the Burkholder Holiday Market

Visit Local Holiday Light Displays

Another activity is to visit local tree-lighting displays or shows. This could be at a local park or neighborhood, with many trees decorated or lighted structures of Santa and his reindeer, snowflakes, and other iconic holiday imagery. “Lightseeing” can be a fun way to spend time with family, help you get into the holiday spirit, and get everyone excited for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Have Holiday Movie Marathons

With the cold, snowy weather of Christmas time, relaxing and watching Christmas and other classic holiday movies with family is one of many ways to get into the holiday spirit. Here are just a few of our favorite holiday movies that make for a fun, memorable time during the Christmas season:

  • A Christmas Carol
  • A Christmas Story
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  • It’s a Wonderful Life
  • Miracle on 34th Street

Other suggestions, such as the Rankin/Bass animated specials (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman) and the Charlie Brown Christmas special, are fun for children (of all ages!) These films help reinforce that the holidays are about giving and caring for others, making them excellent choices for getting into the holiday spirit.

Go Shopping

The winter holidays are excellent times for shopping, and many families use shopping and decorating to help get into the festive spirit. Shopping for gifts enables you to embrace the holiday spirit: giving to others and showing how much you care for them. So when you go out shopping, buy gifts that your friends and loved ones will cherish and appreciate for years to come, and help spread holiday cheer.

Christmas Tree Shopping & Decorating

One of the most memorable parts of any holiday is picking out the perfect Christmas tree and decorating the tree with family. The tree acts as a festive seasonal centerpiece for your home, and usually, everyone joins in on the fun. Hang your favorite ornaments and tree lights, and decorate your home with other items, such as wreaths and lights, to create a more festive atmosphere in and around your home. Having your home decorated outdoors and indoors is an excellent idea if you intend to have guests over.

view of the goods at the Burkholder Holiday Market

Visit the Burkholder Holiday Market for One of the Best Ways to Get into the Holiday Spirit

For more ways to get into the holiday spirit, visit the Burkholder Holiday Market. Our market has various unique, thoughtful, and festive gifts, along with Pennsylvania-grown Christmas trees. We also have fun, family-friendly events such as visits from Santa and his reindeer, face painting, and fun local food vendor visits. So come in, find your gifts and Christmas tree, roast a few marshmallows, and enjoy a memorable holiday shopping experience.

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Find Unique Holiday Gifts at Burkholder’s Holiday Market

Have you ever tried to find unique holiday gifts for your friends and family? We all have had that same experience, struggling to find the right gift for a friend or family member. That person may seem to already have everything, making finding a unique gift challenging. You might just be unsure of what precisely that person likes. We all want to give unique, thoughtful gifts. For many people, the best gifts speak to their personalities and enhance the holiday mood. If you do want to find just the right gift this holiday season, the Burkholder Holiday Market has ideas for you.

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Holiday Decorations

Decorations make great unique holiday gifts due to the sheer variety available, both in the types and designs of decorations. Figurines and ornaments can both add holiday cheer to any home and some can be used all year round. Pillows are especially ideal gifts for the winter season. And wall décor is great for those who like interior decorating and design.

Figurines & Ornaments

Are you buying presents for an animal lover or a nature lover? If so, our holiday market has a variety of figurines of all sorts of animals. These lovely figurines make great stocking stuffers and will bring life and joy all year round, even when the holidays are over. If you are buying gifts for someone who loves to decorate the Christmas tree (or trees!), then ornaments are the way to go. Brightly painted wooden ornaments add a pop of color to any tree. You can even put ornaments like figurines into decorative containers so that they can be used as decor all year.

Pillows

Pillows always make thoughtful gifts. Our pillows come in different sizes and designs. We have bigger pillows with fun holiday sayings or smaller ones with subtle, elegant designs of snowflakes and deer, and everything in-between.

Unique Holiday Gits at Burkholder's Holiday Market
Wall Decor is one of the unique holiday gifts at the Burkholder Holiday Market

Wall Décor

Wall décor and is also fun and adds character, spreading holiday cheer throughout our homes. Burkholder’s holiday wall décor includes framed wooden plaques, metal worked items, and fabric decorations. The variety of textures, shapes, and designs will give people plenty of options for unique holiday gifts.

Nature & Plant Holiday Gifts

When people are coming up with gift ideas, nature and plant gifts tend to get overlooked. However, if you happen to be buying a gift for a nature lover or someone who loves to work on landscaping outdoors, small potted trees are great gifts. Your friends and family can decorate the tree with some holiday ornaments, and the recipient can later plant the tree in the spring. We also sell Christmas tree decorations.

Wreaths and Garlands

Speaking of decorations, people can enhance the fresh scent of evergreen from the Christmas tree by buying other evergreen decorations. Hand-made wreaths for the door, garlands for the mantle and stair rails, and swags for the walls all make wonderful gifts that add a lot of holiday charm to one’s home. These accessories last for months, so recipients can keep them in their homes to enjoy the evergreen fragrance well into the spring.

Finding a gift for someone during the holidays that is unique and fits the person’s personality can be a challenge. But with Burkholder’s Holiday Market and a little bit of time and thought, anybody can find that perfect gift.

Visit the Burkholder Holiday Market for Unique Gifts

Browse the Burkholder Holiday Market to find gift ideas for whoever is on your Christmas list,. We have many unique holiday gifts to choose from, and we are serving complimentary wine or beer to our visitors over 21 years old. We also have food trucks and bonfires for marshmallow roasting and even visits from Santa and his reindeer! So come in, have a drink, roast a marshmallow, and enjoy a memorable holiday shopping experience.

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What Goes Into Growing Christmas Trees

With the Christmas season here, and our lot filled with fresh-cut trees, our plant health care team thought our visitors might be interested in learning what is involved in growing Christmas trees. Many people may think that growing a Christmas tree is the same as finding any other tree in their yard or at a park. But the truth is, Christmas trees require particular care. So here is the process of growing the ideal Christmas tree.

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Planting & Growing Christmas Trees

Growing a Christmas tree takes a lot of time and labor. Like other plants, Christmas trees require the proper conditions that will encourage healthy growth and lower the risk of health issues as much as possible. For example, growers need to remove weeds, and the soil has to have the proper pH balance and be fertile enough for the seedlings. All of these issues need to be ironed out in advance of actually planting the tree seeds. In addition, growers need to plant the tree at the correct depth: If the trees are planted too deep, the root structure will struggle to expand and send nutrients to the tree. If they are planted too shallowly, the roots may be damaged by hot or cold temperatures and dry soil conditions.

The next step is to take care of and maintain the tree’s health. Growing Christmas trees takes a long time: up to 3 years for a transplanted seedling to establish a sound root system and around 8 to 10 years to grow to a good size. And like other plants, Christmas trees are susceptible to numerous issues that affect their health, ones that people need to look out for as the tree grows.

Christmas Tree Health Issues

Pests and diseases can cause issues for Christmas trees and the people who grow them. One of the more common diseases is Phytophthora, a fungus-like organism favored by wet, saturated soils with poor drainage. When soil is too moist, certain fungus spores can germinate to produce swimming spores that infect Christmas trees and other plant roots. Affected trees initially have single branches (usually ones low on the tree) with needles that change to yellow and red-brown and remain on the tree. To prevent root rot, growers need to purchase clean, healthy tree seedlings and ensure the planting sites have suitable conditions.

Another issue that can affect Christmas trees is Swiss needle cast. Swiss needle cast is a fungal disease that results in the second or third-year needles on the lower branches of the tree yellowing or browning. The fungus typically infects trees in the summer, develops, and spreads over the fall and winter, eventually resulting in the needles dropping around late summer.

Christmas tree with presents around it | growing Christmas trees | Burkholder Brothers
Christmas tree farm | growing Christmas trees | Burkholder Brothers Holiday Market

Keeping Christmas Tree Health Issues in Check

Much care is involved in growing Christmas trees. Growers need to keep a close eye on their trees and the growing fields to detect any issues early. If a grower notices any problems, they need to take specific measures depending on the situation, such as applying fertilizer and pest control. Growers also need to trim the branches to promote that classic Christmas tree shape.

Visit the Burkholder Holiday Market for Fresh Cut Christmas Trees

If you are looking for a fresh tree this holiday season and prefer a local vendor to traveling hours to a farm that is growing Christmas trees, visit the Burkholder Holiday Market. Our holiday market offers freshly cut Pennsylvania-grown Christmas trees, such as Douglas firs and Fraser firs. We also have unique gifts for sale, and special events like bonfires for marshmallow roasting and even visits from Santa and his reindeer! Visit our holiday market today and get your beautiful Christmas tree.

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Choosing and Care of Christmas Trees

Around 25 to 30 million Christmas trees are sold each year, and those households buying trees want their trees to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible. An essential part of keeping holiday decorations beautiful is the thoughtful choosing and care of Christmas trees. By choosing the right tree and adequately caring for it, you can have a classic, festive Christmas tree for the holiday season. Here are some tips for choosing and caring for your Christmas tree.

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Choosing a Christmas Tree

If you have ever been to a Christmas tree farm or retail lots, you may know how hard choosing one can be. You have many species to choose from, and each one will have a unique appearance. So which one should you pick? Here are a few tree species that make for great Christmas trees.

Fraser Fir

The Fraser Fir is a popular species for Christmas trees in the U.S. Fraser Fir trees have strong, sturdy branches that turn slightly upward, great for holding heavy ornaments. In addition, the tree has soft, dark green needles and a mild, pleasant fragrance. Finally, the Fraser Fir trees tend to have compact shapes and sizes, so transporting them to your house is easier.

Douglas Fir

Another excellent choice for your Christmas tree is the Douglas Fir, the most popular Christmas tree species for decades. Similar to the Fraser Fir, the needles are soft, and the tree has a sweet fragrance. The needles themselves vary in color depending on the variety of Douglas Fir, ranging from yellow-green to blue-green. Branches are flexible, and the bark is thick and durable.

Christmas tree farm | choosing and care of Christmas trees | Burkholder
Christmas tree in house surrounded by presents | choosing and care of Christmas trees | Burkholder Brothers

Tips on the Choosing and Care of Christmas Trees

Another major part of the holidays is caring for your Christmas tree. Of course, we all want our Christmas trees to maintain their appearance over the holiday season, so care is needed to help them stay healthy and beautiful. Christmas trees require special, daily care to keep up their health and appearance. We have a couple of tips for the choosing and care of Christmas trees and their place in your home.

Choose a Good Spot

Before you go out and pick a tree, make sure that you have a good spot picked out. Ensure your tree will be away from heat sources, such as heat vents, radiators, or wood stoves. Being away from heat sources prevents the tree from drying out too quickly, which leads to needle dropping and potential fire hazards. Tall trees may need to be secured with wires to the walls or ceiling for support.

Measure Your Space

Once you have a good location in your home for your Christmas tree, measure the height and width of the space your tree will occupy. Then, make sure you take a tape measure when you pick out fresh Christmas trees. This way, you will find a tree that fits appropriately in your home. You may also want to pack a blanket or tarp and rope to secure the tree to your car, if necessary.

Give Your Christmas Tree Enough Water

After you and your family have brought your tree home, place the base of the tree inside a large container or bucket of water. The tree needs to absorb water to maintain a long lifespan, and warm water is absorbed faster than cold. Warm, plain tap water is ideal for helping your tree be healthy for as long as possible.

Your stand needs to hold the trunk and contain enough water for your tree’s size. Depending on how big your tree is, your stand may need to be larger or filled more often. To know the water level your tree needs, use a quart of water for each inch of trunk width at the base. So if your tree’s trunk is 4 inches across, the stand should hold at least 4 quarts, or 1 gallon, of water.

Visit Burkholder for All of Your Holiday Needs

Find the ideal Christmas tree and form memories with your family at our holiday market! When you pick your fresh Christmas tree, pick up some festive holiday gifts, share some family fun by roasting marshmallows and sipping hot chocolate, and even get an early visit from Santa. Visit our holiday page for special event dates, or contact us.

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5 Pennsylvania Holiday Traditions to Celebrate This Christmas

The Christmas season in Pennsylvania is one of the best times of the year. The beautiful snow, twinkling holiday lights, and delicious food make the winter a wonderful time. And some of our old, enduring traditions make celebrating the holidays in the Keystone State special. From the light shows and home light displays to the feasts on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, our traditions are a great way to celebrate the season with our friends and family. Here are some unique Pennsylvania holiday traditions that we look forward to celebrating.

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Decorating Homes & Trees with the Moravian Star

While many Pennsylvania families decorate their homes with traditional Christmas stars, some choose to decorate with a Moravian star instead. The Moravian Church has a long history in Pennsylvania (going back to 18th-century German settlers), but the star is a little more recent.

The first Moravian star originated in the 1830s at the Moravian Boys’ School in Niesky, Germany, likely a geometry lesson or project. The Moravian Church adopted the star as an Advent symbol, which continues to have significance in the Moravian-founded communities of Bethlehem and Nazareth.

Moravian stars typically have 25 or 26 points and are hung in windows or above porches. The Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem has a 6-foot star for the bell tower, a gift from the Moravian Star Factory in Herrnhut, Germany. Some stars can even have up to 100 points.

Hanging Upside-down Christmas Trees

Moravian star | Pennsylvania holiday traditions | Burkholder

Pennsylvania holiday traditions hardly get more unique and interesting than this one. Pennsylvania has a rich history of German immigrants, and one practice those immigrants brought over was hanging their Christmas trees upside-down. The reason? Some believe that the tradition was started to save space in small homes or as even a religious origin.

Historians believe that upside-down Christmas trees prevented mice from eating the ornaments. This is because Pennsylvania Dutch tree ornaments were often edible, such as cranberries or the “snitz,” a dried apple garland.

Today, most people’s homes are free of mice, yet some Pennsylvanians still hang their trees upside-down. If you are looking for a unique way to add the holiday spirit to your Christmas tradition, hanging your tree upside-down may do the trick.

Hiding the Christmas Pickle in the Tree

Another unique Pennsylvania holiday tradition has equally unique origins. Some Pennsylvanians hide a pickle ornament in their Christmas trees and challenge family and friends to find the pickle. Whoever finds the pickle first earns a reward, such as opening the first present on Christmas day or good luck for the following year.

The origins of this tradition are a mystery. The common belief was that the Christmas pickle originated from a game in Germany. Other origins suggest that the tradition came from Camp Sumter during the American Civil war, or a Victorian-era tale. Regardless, plenty of children in Pennsylvania look forward to being the first to find the pickle in the tree and to receiving a special gift from Santa Claus.

Christmas village | Pennsylvania holiday traditions | Burkholder

Setting Up a Christmas Village, or “Putz”

We have all seen one of these setups, as a miniature village is one of the most iconic Christmas displays of the holiday season. Christmas villages, like many Pennsylvania holiday traditions, came from the Moravian church and early Moravian settlements. These miniature decorations began with a traditional nativity scene, but have become more elaborate arrangements.

A Christmas village is also called a putz, from the German verb putzen, which means “to clean” or “to decorate.” Christmas villages became popular after World War II, especially porcelain and ceramic villages. While this tradition has become more popular across the U.S., gathering around to build a Christmas village will always be a special occasion in Pennsylvania.

Celebrating Second Christmas

A unique trait among Pennsylvanians is that we look forward to Second Christmas. Second Christmas is a custom, German in origin, which takes place the day after Christmas, December 26. While many holiday traditions originate from religious practices, Second Christmas is secular. The first documented mention of Second Christmas was on Dec. 27, 1808. The custom was mentioned in “Volksfreund,” a German-language publication in Lancaster, PA. Many Amish still celebrate Second Christmas today, as do other Pennsylvania families.

Visit the Burkholder Holiday Market for Unique Gifts

To help celebrate your Pennsylvania holiday traditions, visit the Burkholder Holiday Market. We have a variety of unique, thoughtful gifts to choose from, and we are serving complimentary hot chocolate, wine, or beer to our weekend visitors. Come in, find your fresh cut Christmas tree, have a drink, roast a marshmallow, and enjoy a special holiday shopping experience.

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Last Minute Gift Ideas from Burkholder Brothers

With the year winding down, some people may be scrambling for last minute gift ideas. We suggest that you consider what the person for whom you are buying does every day or what their interests are. Some people may want gifts for their homes, such as wall or furniture décor, while others are more interested in edible gifts. Certain electronics or technologies that make one’s life more convenient or enjoyable also make for thoughtful ideas. Here are a couple of different ideas for last minute gifts, some of which can even be found at our Holiday Market.

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Stocking Stuffer Ideas from Burkholder Brothers

Picking out the perfect gift for the holidays can be challenging, both for presents under the tree and those found in stockings. Thankfully, we have a couple of stocking stuffer ideas that will be sure to spread some holiday cheer. Fun, thoughtful figurines or ornaments that speak to a person’s interests and style are always good choices. Small metal and fabric wall décor items are also good options, as are candles. As long as your gifts come from the heart, your recipient will appreciate them.

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