Ahhhhh, Thanksgiving is upon us. No matter how you plan to celebrate, either with hoards of folks you love or with a smaller crew this year, the holidays are officially here. And yes, they look a bit different this year, this crazy year of 2020 that brought, among many other things, lots of social distance. This year, more than any other, could use a bit of brightness as it comes to a close, signifying hope – hope for a vaccine, hope for the chance to grab your people tight and hold them close, and hope that despite all the shortcomings of 2020, our spirits are still intact and we persevere in decking our halls, no matter how few folks are invited inside to see them.
Lovely Cassie Courtney shines her light year round, but this year this bright, energetic mother of two decided to open a socially distanced pop-up shop that is full of her favorite things: Christmas trees! The empty lot near her business, Featherlane Design, sat vacant, and the neglected sight greeted her each day as she headed into work. Perhaps her first thought was how to cheer the broken concrete and jagged brick up a bit with a swag or two of greenery. Cassie, an interior designer and stager, lends her flair to those decorating their homes and/or getting ready to sell their homes. In other words, she has the gift of vision, no matter if it involves a house full of unmatched furniture or a broken down alley.
Encouraged by the idea of boughs of pine and hemlock and holly pepping up the forsaken lot, Cassie experienced an ah-ha moment. “Let’s begin a new family tradition and sell all things Christmas, from trees to fire logs to wreaths!” she thought. Her husband, Drew, was immediately on board, and her in-laws Russell and Kate Courtney joined in the family venture, as well.
And in the blink of an eye, it appears Ole St. Nick himself descended upon the Southside and decked the barren, empty lot with all manner of festive holiday trimmings. Thanks to this family, the holiday spirit is alive and well, and spreading far and wide!
Located at 1513 Williams St., Courtney Christmas Trees LLC is bringing the spirit of the season to the Southside. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook for pop-up shop hours.
* * *
Ferris Robinson is the author of three children's books, "The Queen Who Banished Bugs,” "The Queen Who Accidentally Banished Birds," and “Call Me Arthropod,” all in her pollinator series. "Making Arrangements" is her first novel. "Dogs and Love - Stories of Fidelity" is a collection of true tales about man's best friend. Her website is ferrisrobinson.com and you can download a free pollinator poster there. She is the editor of The Lookout Mountain Mirror and The Signal Mountain Mirror.