A Little Hallmark Magic
If you have ever walked into our store in December and thought,“This feels like a Hallmark movie,” just know that behind the scenes we are living a Hallmark movie too. Only ours comes with shipping labels, warm shortbread, and the constant rustle of packaging paper that somehow ends up everywhere.
And every so often, there is a day that truly feels like a cozy holiday scene.
Last year during our Christmas Open House in New Glasgow, with music floating through the store, warm samples being shared, and people lingering with that unhurried December glow, I remember standing there and thinking, “This really is my Hallmark moment."
The warmth.
The community.
The feeling of being wrapped in something soft and festive.
It was magic.
And if you are around this year and looking to soak in a little of that same Christmas feeling, we would love for you to stop by on December 13 at 2:00pm- 4:00pm. The store feels extra warm that day, the samples are flowing, and it is the perfect spot to catch some holiday spirit.
And while you are here, you can even try our “Orange You Cozy” on the Island Hot Chocolate Trail, which has become a favourite December ritual for so many visitors.
Our First Snowfall
A light snowfall on Tuesday, and then on Wednesday, our first little storm.
The winds were strong enough to cancel school, and just enough snow fell to blanket everything in white. The kind that stays on the ground for a couple of days and makes the Island feel instantly more like Christmas.
(Photo: The first significant snowfall always adds a touch of holiday magic to the air.)
Inside the Store
Inside the store, it is a steady, happy bustle of customers choosing their favourites to send across Canada or picking up treats for their own traditions.
The Christmas tree is lit, the smell of freshly baked shortbreads fills the space, and there is just enough Christmas music to feel cheerful without tipping into too much.
And behind the counter:
It is ribbons, jars, tea bags, and the warm hum of “Did we print the right label?”
It is the team taste-testing baked goods for quality control.
It is the shared smiles when someone picks up a gift box they are genuinely excited to give.
And if I am being completely honest, it has been a WHIRLWIND behind the scenes.
The moment Black Friday arrived, mail order exploded, and it has been non stop ever since. Boxes everywhere, printers humming, lists taped to every surface, and the team moving in ten different directions at once. It is the very best kind of busy, but it is busy. We are so grateful for every single order and for the incredible support we feel from Islanders and visitors who make the effort to shop local. It means more than you know.
It is also the real life moments:
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The afternoons when UPS shows up a bit ahead of schedule and the team suddenly moves faster, trying to get those last boxes sealed before they head out the door.
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The “How is it only 10:15” moments whispered across the packing tables.
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The second coffee that feels absolutely necessary.
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The gentle reminder that even beautiful seasons have their whirlwind.
(Photo: Our Fam-Jam always keeps spirits high, even during the chaos of holiday shipping)
The Tiny Moments That Make It Worth It
What I love most are the little sparks of magic:
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A customer telling us they send our Strawberry and Grand Marnier Preserves to their sister every year, a tradition that has lasted decades.
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A child carefully choosing a treat for their teacher.
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A husband wandering around trying to remember “the thing she always buys.”
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A quick hug from someone who has known the Preserve Company longer than I have.
December always brings me back to why this work means so much.
A simple jar of jam or a box of shortbreads may look small, but somehow it becomes part of someone’s story. It shows up at Christmas brunch, at kitchen tables, on charcuterie boards, or in a gift bag passed from one hand to another with love.
These little things become the threads of people’s memories, woven into their rituals and gatherings and Christmas mornings. Being part of that, even in the smallest way, feels like such an honour.
That is the heart of it all.
We get to help people share a bit of PEI with the people they love.
We get to be part of the memories they are creating.
And that will always mean the world to me.
A Few of My Favourite Things
I love sending curated boxes to loved ones. Choosing flavours that feel personal or nostalgic makes gifting simple and meaningful.
Raspberry Cream Cheese Pie - Our Raspberry Pie Filling has become a Christmas staple in our home. I make my own vegan and gluten free version so everyone feels included.
Heart Shaped Shortbreads - These shortbreads made a comeback from the early 2000s and remain one of my absolute favourites. Buttery, tender, and instantly festive.
Cherry Salsa Warm Dip - One of the easiest hostess gifts. A jar of Cherry Salsa warmed with Cranberry Pepper Boursin makes a quick, addictive holiday dip. A little nod to my niece who shared this idea years ago.
Gift Cards for Moments to Come - A favourite moment is when someone buys a gift card for afternoon tea or a summer picnic. There is something touching about gifting a memory that has not happened yet.
(Photo: A curated box called 'Marsha's Favourites' - it has all of my holiday essentials!)
The Heart of the Season
So if you visit us this month, know that what you see out front, the coziness, the ease, the heart, is exactly how it feels behind the scenes too.
Just with a bit more tape on our sweaters.
Lots of love,
Marsha
