A Christmas store in Kimmswick has ornaments galore.
Walking into Christmas Haus of Kimmswick, visitors are greeted with aromas of fresh pine and apple cinnamon, along with the cheerful melodies of Christmas music. This store in Kimmswick is overflowing with all things Christmas, from hand-blown glass ornaments to nativity scenes.
of Kimmswick
is involved in
community holiday
events like a cookie
walk.
holiday season,
visitors might see
Santa strolling
through the ornament
aisle.
The store, stuffed full of angels, Christmas trees, hot cocoa cups, and nutcrackers, opened 35 years ago. Joshua Estopare bought it about six years ago and continued to fill the shop with all things Christmas. He passed away earlier this year; however, his parents Kathy and Douglas Zeis reopened the store in July. They want to carry on his love for Christmas by keeping it running.
“He loved people. I mean, there are so many people who come in the store for him. It’s as though they’re all his friends,” Kathy says.
Unique ornaments are what the store is known for. It features ornaments for each military ranking, PolarX ornaments (ornaments that can be customized with writing), sports and hobby ornaments, pet ornaments, and celebration ornaments, such as those for a baby’s first Christmas. It doesn’t skimp on more obscure ornaments, such as a stick of butter, beer cans, or a Dorito bag.
“I mean, these are ornaments that you’re not going to get at your everyday store, whether it’s Hobby Lobby or Walmart,” Kathy says.
As Kathy takes over what she describes as “an old- time country store,” one of her main goals is to reflect Joshua’s bright spirit and understanding nature.
“He knew everything, like if somebody would come in and say, ‘I need a pineapple upside-down cake ornament,’ he could take you right to where that ornament was, even though there are thousands of ornaments in the store,” Kathy explains. “He had such knowledge and ability.”
• Visit the store’s Facebook page at The Christmas Haus of Kimmswick • 311 Elm Street, Kimmswick.
All photos courtesy of The Christmas Haus of Kimmswick.
This article was originally printed in the November/December issue of Missouri Life.
