The Sisters Touch of Christmas store opens for 2023 season

All purchases made at store go towards those in need and charitable causes

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Christmas magic is already in the air at a local store.

On October 26, The Sisters Touch of Christmas store opened its doors to begin selling handmade Christmas products, specially-curated items, and its famous one-of-a-kind hand-painted Christmas ornaments.

The store is located at St. Kosmas Aitolos Greek Orthodox Monastery (14155 Caledon King Townline South) and it's unique in that all profits from it go towards supporting those in need and charitable causes. 

It's also unique because its handmade products are created by the nuns who live at the monastery.

Sister Philothei, a nun at the monastery, said the Sisters have been working hard on new one-of-a-kind hand-painted ornaments and have even created some larger ones this year. There's also ornaments available with a battery-powered “candle” inside them that creates a beautiful glow.

Sister Philothei said it takes many long hours to make each ornament, and only so many are made each year. The ornaments can be customized with a name and date at no extra charge, and a message can be added to them for an additional fee. 

The Sisters Touch of Christmas store began as a Christmas bazaar in 2003 and has grown greatly over the years into the store it is today. No square-inch of space is wasted inside the store and when one enters, it's like a Christmas wonderland.

The Sisters themselves make many items that are for sale at the store, such as tea blends, maple syrup, seasoned olive oil, baked goods, skin care products, and painted dishes. 

They also bring in a variety of goods, and Sister Philothei said the Sisters pride themselves on the quality of items they bring in. She noted they always try to offer items for every price point.

Sister Philothei said there's always trends in Christmas decor, but this year's theme is a classic red and green — though the Sisters offer Christmas decor for any colour palette.

Each year, the Sisters host a fundraising raffle with a Christmas-themed prize. This year's prize is a decorative “gingerbread village” that's worth $800. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10 and just like store purchases, raffle ticket sales go to charity.

Sister Philothei said so many people are in need of help with food, clothing and shelter. 

“This is why we give, we feel it is so important,” she said. “If everybody just gives a little bit, think of the difference we can make in the world together.”

The Sisters Touch of Christmas store is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

The store will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 24.