Dieter Rausch met Linda Tripp Rausch when they were small children. They met when she visited her grandparents in a village near Frankfurt, Germany. He lived next door. Over the years, they became childhood sweethearts.
Dieter had his own pony and cart, and would take Linda for rides through the countryside. They were each other's first kiss. Back in those days, snail mail back and forth to Europe could take four weeks or more. Telephone calls were made from the Post Office in Germany and cost a fortune for three minutes. Still, they stayed in touch over the years. In fact, although Linda went on to marry and have two children, they never lost touch. When the Clinton scandal erupted, Dieter reached out to Linda to lend his moral support. The rest is history.
Dieter relocated to Virginia to be with Linda. They debated what to do after her retirement from the federal government and his retirement from his busy architectural business in Germany.
Dieter and Linda loved all things related to Christmas, particularly the hand made treasures of Germany. They decided to establish the most beautiful holiday shop on the East Coast and the most unique German Christmas shop in the USA.
Voila! The Christmas Sleigh in Middleburg, Virginia was born.
Today, holiday shoppers and those who simply love Christmas come from far and wide to 5A East Washington Street to find a truly splendid selection of holiday trimmings, trappings and décor all year. But nothing during the rest of the year approaches the marvelous experience of entering The Christmas Sleigh when all the new holiday wares are in sight.
No matter how discriminating or discerning you are, the charming display of traditional ornaments, Nativities, wooden toys, nutcrackers, stuffed animals, dolls, fancy European decorations, children and adult clothing, Smokermen, crystal, porcelain, antiques and so much more will captivate both you and your pocketbook.
“We are avid collectors of fine art and antiques, and especially love the hand made Christmas treasures made in Germany. We simply can’t resist the beautiful items we find on our shopping trips for the shop,” Linda explains, smiling. “It’s a good thing our customers share our passion!” |
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“We want our customers to have the most unique and charming heirlooms of the future for their families,” Dieter adds.
The truly amazing thing is that one doesn't have to spend a fortune to go home with a basket full of beautiful Christmas decorations. The prices range from delightful advent calendars from well under $10 to splendid cashmere blazers for under $1,000.
This year The Christmas Sleigh is introducing a first edition of Steinbach Foxes designed by Linda and inspired by the beautiful Piedmont area in which they live.
Watching the spectacular hunt canter by our farm is a true privilege for Dieter and for me.
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“We feel so blessed to live amidst the history and natural beauty that is so representative of this part of Virginia. The hunts that traverse our property inspired our “Master of The Hunt nutcracker. He will only be sold in our shop, period, not anywhere else in the world,” explained Linda. “Karla Steinbach was here two weeks ago to sign each of the numbered pieces.”
The new Master and Mistress of the Hunt Steinbach Foxes are very fancy and have great attitude. Each is priced at $475 for their debut year. Steinbach’s Master and Mistress of the Hunt fox ornaments are $25 and also a Christmas Sleigh exclusive.
There are also beautiful wooden Advent calendars in many delightful forms that are sure to become a part of your annual Christmas legacy and an amazing selection of Byers Choice Carolers from Pennsylvania. Byers Choice introduces new carolers each year, and they are all available at The Christmas Sleigh.
The biggest selection of Smokermen in the country is in residence at The Christmas Sleigh. |
“We sell more Smokers than anyone else in the country,” Linda said. “And they’re our top seller since they’re loved by young and old.”
The hand-painted pewter “flats,” toy soldiers of every size and regiment are top sellers in the Middleburg shop and for those who wish to decorate for additional holidays, there are charming “flats” for every seasonal highpoint.
And, don't forget to visit the rear room in the shop for the most charming German and Austrian clothes for children, gentlemen and ladies. From fox-trimmed cloaks and cashmere capes to Lanz of Salzburg hand made sweaters and Giesswein pieces for women and children, you will find something extremely special for everyone on your list.
The sumptuous leathers by Meindle are of the highest quality and the silk taffeta party dresses by Susanna Spatt of Salzburg will thrill every little girl you love. The Christmas Sleigh is the only shop of its kind east of the Rockies to carry such an extensive selection of Austrian and German designs.
For slushy, snowy winter days, the Austrian high-cut leather boots for little ones are perfectly fabulous. And there are Austrian shoes and boots for all.
And this year, in response to increasing demand, Linda and Dieter will take Christmas decorating commissions for those who place their requests with the shop before mid-November.
“Over the years, several people asked us to help them make their homes as festive as the shop, so we took a few commissions during the past few Christmas seasons. They were so successful, and, honestly, we enjoyed it so much, that we decided to add Custom Decorating to our portfolio of services,” she explained. “We must have placed hundreds of thousands of tiny white lights on exterior and interior decorations. And we were completely exhausted by New Year. But it was so much fun to be able to make families so happy during this special time of year.”
“We specialize in traditional Virginia authenticity, particularly the colonial revival period. We use lots of fresh magnolia and fragrant fresh greenery trucked in from the grower who has provided the White House greenery and trees over the years. Whether it is a simple mantle, one exquisite tree or a complete indoor and outdoor Christmas transformation, we do it all.”
“We really must have orders in by November 10th in order to reserve the time and inventory. We can only accept so many orders, so please encourage everyone to let us know right away if they would like our help.”
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The Christmas Sleigh’s motto is “Come Experience the Magic” and a visit there is truly a magical step back in time. Make a special point to stop in this holiday season.
To place Custom Decorating Commissions, please telephone Linda at 540 687 3665 or email info@thechristmassleigh.com |
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