The Magic of Christmas One Elf at a Time

Walking through the doors of The View Cafe & Gifts, you’re transported to a world that feels part North Pole, part Hallmark movie. For me, this magic began long ago in the very space The View now fills, thanks to my mom. Growing up, my brother Dylan and I waited eagerly each December for our family elves, Bernard and Judy, to arrive with advent calendars. Each day brought a new surprise—a small gift, a scavenger hunt, or even a ticket to Disney on Ice. Sometimes, they’d even make appearances at my friend Cassidy’s house with her elf, Jingle, spreading the magic even further.
In sixth grade, though, I started to question if Santa was real. I’d always defended him wholeheartedly, but the doubts my friends raised crept in. That Christmas, I wanted a phone more than anything, and even though my parents didn’t give me one, my final Santa gift was the white LG Rhythm I had been wishing for. When I turned it on, there was already a voicemail—odd, right? It was from “Santa,” telling me, “Seeing isn’t believing, believing is seeing.” This line from The Santa Clause was something I’d say for years. In the voicemail, he said he knew I was struggling to believe, so he thought “hearing” might help. This magical moment was another way my mom (and Santa) made me feel loved, showing me that magic lives where love is.

Now as an adult, I realize that these memories weren’t just holiday magic; they were a gift from my mom. Each thoughtful surprise and festive touch came from her love, and today, she shares that gift with our whole town. When you visit The View this holiday season, you’re stepping into her Christmas Village, crafted for everyone to enjoy.

So come by, sip a holiday drink, and bask in the warmth of this season’s magic. My mom has turned her love for Christmas into a shared experience, and we’re all so lucky to be part of it.