Colorado Springs’ Best Kept Secrets: Christmas in Manitou

With themes that range from tourist souvenirs to Coca-Cola merchandise, a wide assortment of ornaments line the walls of the Christmas in Manitou gift shop.

Even a few engraved jewelry boxes are kept on hand for those who celebrate Hanukkah, and many items can be personalized. Decorated Christmas trees of different colors, shapes and sizes also decorate the floor.

Christmas in Manitou was originally one of the St. Nick's gift shops that was purchased and renamed almost three years ago by owners Joe and Paula Pasteur, according to Tami Hernandez, store manager.

It is open all year long and Hernandez said, "A lot of people will go shopping for Christmas in the summer time because they're on vacation."

According to Hernandez, business is slow from January to March, which is when she spends most of her time working on inventory because "by the end of May you have to get your orders in."

The most popular items are the personalized name ornaments, along with the Colorado-themed ornaments, according to Hernandez.

Christmas in Manitou is visited by people from all over the world who come to see Pikes Peak and want "an ornament for their tree to show they've been here," said Hernandez.

Deals are offered through grab-bags containing old and discontinued stock, which are located at the entrance of the gift shop.

"It's a blind sale. You buy whatever you get," said Hernandez.

The gift shop also carries ornaments from select local artists: Aspen Leaf Design, Whitney's Designs, Jewelry by Marks and Country Christmas Eggs.

Margarita Osterman, owner of Aspen Leaf Design, paints wood disks made from "real aspen" trees that "sell like crazy…she cuts all the wood herself," said Hernandez.

Whitney's Designs crafts metal ornaments that are also a big seller, according to Hernandez.

According to product labels, Jewelry by Marks creates gilded aspen and maple leaf ornaments, and Dan Stevens, owner of Country Christmas Eggs, transfers his designs onto real eggs.

The Christmas season holds a different meaning for everyone as they shop for presents and decorations.

Colorado native, Jeremy Weeks, said, "I think it's ironic to have a Christmas store in Manitou Springs, which is well known for its pagan-themed stores. I also find it interesting that it sells products related to Christ-mass, which are based on historically pagan icons."

Hernandez said, "It's the birth of Christ, so it should be a joyous time for everybody."

The Lowdown

What:

Christmas in Manitou

Where:

726 Manitou Avenue

More Info:

685-4290

www.christmasinmanitou.com