The cold crisp air of fall in northern Virginia reminds us that the holidays are coming. You can get a jump on the shopping crush and see how Christmases of old were celebrated at a shop in Middleburg called The Christmas Sleigh. People walking in for the first time are amazed at the number and variety of beautiful things for sale. There are dolls that look so real you think they are going to speak, wooden nutcrackers and toys, hand-blown glass ornaments, German smokermen (smoking aromatic incense), hand-painted pewter ornaments, marionettes… and where else can you find a pair of lederhosen or an authentic Austrian dirndl?

The shop's owner, Dieter H. Rausch, after a successful career as a Frankfurt, Germany, architect, visited the United States and fell in love with the handmade treasures of Williamsburg and the rolling hills around Middleburg. He and his childhood sweetheart, Linda Tripp, who spent a lot of time in Germany as a child, have created a gem of a shop for those who appreciate the treasures of Europe and colonial America, and the traditions of Christmas from the Old World.

Dieter greets his customers with a big smile and loves to explain how and where each item is made. When you walk in, above the door is an arrangement of fruit around a pineapple. Linda explains, "This door topper is a little-known Colonial Williamsburg symbol of hospitality. We make them with apples, preserved magnolia, and a real pineapple mounted on a half-circle arch. Those who appreciate the 18th Century traditions can buy our wooden arch forms and create their own authentic Williamsburg holiday decoration."

This is a one-of-kind shop for collectors, holiday shoppers, and aficionados of quality items – soon to be open for online shopping at www.thechristmassleigh.com. Says Dieter, "I go to Europe four times a year and am always getting new and wonderful things you won't find anywhere else, so please come in and see for yourself!"

The Christmas Sleigh
5A East Washington Street
Post Office Box 181
Middleburg, VA 20118
Telephone: (540) 687-3665
Fax: (540) 687-3435
http://www.thechristmassleigh.com
Hours of Operation:
7 Days, 10 to 5