The Sister’s Touch of Christmas opens for shopping season

Sisters Touch of Christmas (Matthew Strader photo)

A friendly and famous snowman greets shoppers at the door to The Sisters Touch of Christmas, a Christmas store run by the Sisters of St. Kosmas Aitolos, a Greek Monastery on Caledon/King Townline.

 

 

It’s been 10 years, and they feel word is just getting out there, and with a little more, Caledon families might be over the moon at just what is available in Bolton. 

“We don’t think there’s really anything like this for people, so we’re just thrilled to spread the message that it’s here.” 

“It’s for them to enjoy, and we really put our whole hearts into it,” said Sister Philothei, of the Sisters of St. Kosmas Aitolos, a Greek Orthodox Monastery on Caledon King Townline.

The Sisters of the monastery have opened and hosted the store, The Sisters Touch of Christmas for the past 10 years. Their goal is to share their joy of Christmas with everyone who can attend. 

Whether you purchase, or simply enjoy, their love the season is going to permeate every pore while you peruse shelve of handmade crafts, decorations and baked goods.

“Our customers say it’s not Christmas until they come, and we like hearing that so much,” sister Philothei said. “We try to give them the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas.” 

Walls are adorned like holiday trees, the shelves the branches, and every branch and twig covered in something else to dazzle the eye. From hand painted Christmas balls and plates, to special seasoned oils the sisters make themselves, baked products prepared fresh on site, or even moisturizing and beeswax creams, there isn’t much off of a good full wish list that isn’t available.

Customers are greeted by a four foot tall Frosty the snowmen that regular visitiors, “have simply come to know and love.”

Kids will take pictures with him, adults will jokingly greet him at the door.

“The store is just constantly filled with the spirit. The people, the time of year, the celebration of our lord, it is all joy and all happiness here, and we love it.”

Known for their fruitcake, gingerbread and other fares, it is with hospitality that these hosts will hook their customers.

The joy is palpable, as most of the product comes from the hands and hearts of those serving it.

“We simply love the spirit of Christmas, and it fills everyone of us.” 

Proceeds from the store go to help the sisters fund the various programs they do within the monastery, as well as to a number of service organizations they support throughout the year. Each one of those groups has a spot on the wall behind the cash register, their gracious words of thanks a reminder of why the sisters do what they do each winter. 

“It’s the purpose of the season, and something we cannot do without,” sister Philothei said of helping local groups throughout the year.

The store is locate at the monastery at 14155 Caledon King Townline Road, and is open from November 1 to December 24, with this season being the first in which the sister’s will host a Boxing Day sale after the big day.