Christmas Shopping Spree

I don't know if this is going to be the most interesting topic, and we failed on one of the planned areas. I also know this may be a week where a lot of people are busy. Maybe that makes today the best time to post this.

We actually first got the idea last year, but were not able to get to it.

In addition to various Christmas bazaars and markets (which often focus more on gift items), there are three specific stores that were coming up in terms of where to look for Christmas decor and ornaments. 

We intended to check out Red Sled Market, Sleighbells of Sherwood, and the Al's Garden Center on Roy Rogers Road.

At one point they were all in Sherwood, but the Red Sled Market has moved to a location in Tualatin.

We started at Al's; it was breathtaking.

Al's is the one location that is open all year long, though the Christmas merchandise is seasonal.

You can tell that -- to some extent -- they are fancy all year. 

They are also huge.

There were surprises, like clothing for sale beyond gardening gloves and hats.

I would like to make a return visit at a different time of year to see what it is normally like, but I was happy to have seen this.

We left Al's, headed to Sleighbells. 

I have passed signs for it many times, so thought it would be easier to find. We missed a turn, then couldn't find parking, then found a no exit road and a one-way road... it ended up being very confusing.

Only able to find parking on the upper level, a muddy path led to wet wooden stairs. I had a clear vision of slipping and getting really muddy and somewhat injured. I decided I did not want to see them enough.

On to Red Sled!

I first became aware of them through notifications for Gnome Fest. It was not the fest, but gnomes were still well-represented.

This felt very much more in tune with local artists and crafting, though on a variety of themes.

There was an area for taking pictures with Santa. In fact, he was coming into the store just as we were leaving.

This was the only store where we bought anything.

Thinking it over later, it was very clear that the three stores all hold very different positions for different clientele.

Al's is for rich people. They wouldn't say they were rich -- probably calling themselves comfortably middle class -- but the way the people with less than them are getting squeezed out, they are rich.

Prices are pretty high. Even if we saw things we liked there, the prices just weren't reasonable.

We only went there to look, though, and that was worth it.

Red Sled Market is catering to a clientele with lower income.

That doesn't mean that there aren't higher-priced items, but things are cozier and less formal.

I think understanding Sleighbells is easier knowing that it is in the middle of a Christmas tree farm. That is why there is all the mud and gravel. 

It is probably closer to Al's than Red Sled in terms of income level served, but as we are going out into the country and separating ourselves a bit, it is probably a little more hipster.

Sleighbells should open again in July; Red Sled in November. Al's is not going away, but the Christmas lights will be stowed for a few months.

It was fun while it lasted.

COVID: You are inside and they are all relatively crowded. Wear a mask.

Accessibility: Navigation was pretty good for both Al's and Red Sled, though expect a lot of people. There are a lot of displays at floor level, and items that are breakable, so caution is advised.

Up on the higher lot at Sleighbells, there was an entrance there that seems to have an elevator inside. I may have been remiss not to check it out, but it just didn't feel welcoming. If you are motivated, the option is there.

https://www.redsledmarket.com/

https://als-gardencenter.com/pages/als-garden-home-of-sherwood 

https://www.facebook.com/SleighbellsFarmAndGift