Find Great Holiday Decorations Here on the Hill
By Bobbi Zane

Great one-of-a-kind holiday decorations are as close as Santa Ysabel and Wynola, in three fabulous shops that offer an array of items that you won't find in the mall shops.

The Christmas Story, part of the Once Upon a Time complex in Santa Ysabel, is a year-round treasure trove of tree ornaments. Inside the tiny cottage at the back of the complex, you'll find several Christmas trees decorated floor to ceiling with glass Santas and sleighs, angels, clowns, wooden ornaments, lace wreaths and more.

Sandy Jimenez, who has owned the shop for 15 years, carries several lines of designer décor items including Katherine of Silver Lake, Fritz and Floyd, and Charming Tales. If you're looking for animal collections, Jimenez offers several lines including, a selection of fish ornaments that ranges from sea horses to mermaids. There are lions, tigers and bears, dogs, cats and mice galore. Once Upon a Time shops is located at 30219 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel, 760-765-1695. The store is open daily, except Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also in Santa Ysabel, Patricia McConnell, owner of the Santa Ysabel General Store and Antiques, specializes in nostalgia from the 1940s and 1950s. In a room she dedicates to holiday decorations year-round, you're likely to find period Spode china, glass and wooden ornaments, strands of vintage tinsel, hand painted cups, books, dolls and Santas.

"These items are very popular with collectors year-round," she says. Old Santa Ysabel General Store is located at 30275 Highway 78, Santa Ysabel, 760-765-1139. The store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays.

The Christmas Store, tucked into an historic cottage in the trees behind Wynola Junction Antiques & Collectibles, is owned by Tracy Turner. The store holds an array of surprises for holiday shoppers, mainly because she offers items crafted by local artists. She also carries antique and vintage ornaments, stuffed animals and dolls, plus some holiday-themed serve ware items.

Turner welcomes children to her complex. She has a place to pan for gold and opportunities to pet ponies.

The Christmas Store is located at 4326 Highway 78, Wynola, 760-765-4758. The store is open from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.