Christmas & A Whole Lot More!

Christmas & A Whole Lot More!

The Silver Bells Holiday Shop keeps the spirit of the season alive year-round.

“Toyland,” crooned Doris Day through my computer speakers. “Toooyland.” Her ageless velvety tones caressed my ears. I floated on the sounds of the band - saxophone, trumpet, and piano melting like butter. The song continued, turning ominous. “Once you pass its borders,” Doris warned, “you can ne[v]er return again.” I shivered as a chill rushed through me. Winter had announced itself.

Is there a reason to be listening to holiday music mid-October? Well, in this case, I was solving a mystery. And my expert witness? Brian Jaworsky, owner of The Silver Bells Holiday Shop in Salamanca. 

When I phoned him on Sunday, pen and paper at the ready, I was cautiously optimistic. Having seen glimpses of reds, greens, and silvers through his Main Street window, I was fairly certain that the answer I sought lay within. Brian, recently having returned to the area, was happy to aid me on my quest. 

“When I was living in Oregon,” he explained. “I owned a farm and gift shop named ‘The Silver Bells Holiday Shop.’ When I returned to my hometown, it was only natural to open a store here, especially with our very own Ray Evans.”

Evans, who penned the lyrics to the ever-famous holiday ditty, “Silver Bells,” is the pride and joy of Salamanca. Jaworsky, an ardent admirer, channeled this holiday energy in the creation of a shop which touts the slogan: Christmas and a whole lot more!

“Brian,” I asked, Bluetooth crackling, “why do you think people are so wildly enamored with Christmas and the holidays?”

“Well,” he said, wisely, “things are challenging when you become an adult; you want to go back to when you were growing up. Recreating the magic of Christmas is one of the best ways to do that.”

This answer made sense to me, but I had another question. While browsing the inventory on Brian’s website (a few thousand high-quality items), I had noticed a peculiar trend.

“You’re right,” Brian said, responding to my observation, “we do specialize in retro and nostalgic holiday items. The kinds of ornaments from the 60s that people remember - Old World Christmas Ornaments, Santa’s Workshop, Vaillencourt Designs …”

“What are those?” I asked, unable to spell the new word.

“Vaillencourt ornaments are made from pouring plaster into antique chocolate molds,” Brian explained, patiently. “Then, they’re painted by hand.”

Immediately craving sweets, I conducted a quick Google search. The Santa figurines were reminiscent of chocolate bunnies, tall and smooth, with kind eyes that peered into the deepest recesses of my soul. I shook my head quickly, trying to dispel the overwhelming sense of déjà-vu. Maybe that’s the power of all this, I thought, it feels so familiar, yet I am certain I have never seen it before.

“Is there a proper time to put up these decorations?” I inquired, distracting myself from the existential crisis.

“It’s all up to the person,” Brian laughed, “the same way you can choose to listen to holiday radio year-round.  But why have all these items that you care for and that make you happy if you’re only going to see them for three weeks? I say keep them up for as long as you would like, maybe even have a Christmas room if that works in your home.”

“Do you have any holiday traditions?” I asked, needing to know.

“My family eats Ukrainian bread to celebrate and we have a traditional English Christmas Eve dinner,” he said. “We also light Bayberry candles.”

I was struck. This mélange of traditions was truly beautiful. Maybe I was closer to cracking the case.

“That’s exactly why we exist,” Brian said, a smile in his voice. “We offer holiday baskets, custom engraved ornaments, holiday baked goods year-round, cookies, pies, Finger Lakes coffee …”

“We have collectibles, toys, blankets, and pillows for all ages,” he continued, “not only for Christmas, but all the holidays, even Halloween. We want to create a happy experience. “One that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Our store is filled with specialty items, ones that you cannot find anywhere else, because your traditions deserve special treatment.”

After we finished our call, I spent much too long clicking around on silverbellsholidayshop.com to glean any last clues. I was fascinated by everything, from the Snowpinions to the cookie jars, each item its own conundrum. Had I solved the mystery?  Perhaps, but new questions had arisen in its place. I still was not certain. I was, however, sure of one thing: thanks to the welcome video on the shop’s Facebook page, I knew I had to get one of those iced cookies.

Silver Bells Holiday Shop is located at 67 Main Street, Salamanca, NY, phone 716-265-2014. For hours and updates on the latest additions to the store, follow them on Facebook, or click over to silverbellsholidayshop.com and start your happy holiday shopping!