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Everyone has a unique relationship with the holiday season. For some, it begins the day after Halloween. For others, it’s, “Let’s get through Thanksgiving first, please!”
For Christmas store owner Julie Fabrizio, it has been a huge part of her whole life.
Nestled in the historic shopping district of Old Colorado City, The Holly Leaf has brought Christmas joy and magic to the Colorado Springs community year-round for decades. This will be its last year, as the shop is set to close at the end of December.
Walking into The Holly Leaf feels like a warm embrace. The air is filled with the scents of cinnamon, vanilla and evergreen. Christmas tree ornaments sparkle from the ceiling, while Santa Claus statues, snowmen and seasonal birds seem to gaze longingly as you wander the aisles.
A family affair for over 40 years, The Holly Leaf was passed down to Fabrizio and her husband, Michael Fabrizio, in 1996 from her parents, Don and Alice Beverly.
“My folks had it for 12 years during the rebirth of Old Colorado City, back in the ’80s,” Fabrizio said. “There was someone who started the store, called The Holly Leaf, and they were looking to sell it. My parents thought, well, that could be a fun thing to do.”
Her parents were inspired by their shared hobby of collecting holiday decorations during their travels across the country.
“We would bring ornaments home from our travels as gifts, and they saw it as an upcoming trend,” she explained.
Fabrizio and her husband were set to take over the store in 1995, but not without challenges.
“In 1995, they (Don and Alice Beverly) lost their lease in the building they were in, and at that time, I was just getting ready to take over and run it. So, I thought, well, maybe this is a sign that I shouldn’t do it,” Fabrizio said.
Initially hesitant, she found her heart leaning the other way as the holiday season approached.
“I would just go into Christmas stores and start crying,” she recalled. “I thought, okay, maybe I am supposed to do this.”
The Holly Leaf reopened in February 1996. Over the years, Fabrizio has built lasting connections with the community. Familiar faces visit annually to get their holiday fix.
“We have people who’ve been coming over the years from all over the United States, even overseas from England,” she said. “I feel like I know them. When they walk in, I’ll say, ‘So, you came back to see me?’ And they’ll say, ‘Yes, of course.’”
The store’s energy is almost haunted by the ghosts of Christmas past. Fabrizio reminisced about seasonal visits from Santa and in-store violin holiday concerts.
“The children laughing, the smiles—I just have so many memories here. Cool memories that I’ll cherish forever,” she said.
Despite her love for the store, operational challenges have taken their toll. Since losing her husband in 2022, Fabrizio has run the shop alone. She said the decision to close was purely economic.
“It was an economical decision,” Fabrizio said. “My husband died two years ago, and I’ve been running it by myself. The business has not been good, and I can’t afford to hire someone to help me. That’s a horrible position to be in – horrible.”
As Fabrizio spoke behind the store’s register, surrounded by gift wrap and bows, she paused to assist customers.
“Do you have any more of these icicle ornaments?” one customer asked.
“No, this is everything we have left,” she replied with a half-smile.
“That’s okay. Best of luck with your next journey,” the customer said warmly, clutching her purchases as she left.
The children laughing, the smiles—I just have so many memories here. Cool memories that I’ll cherish forever. – Julie Fabrizio
Fabrizio said it’s the people who have kept her going all these years.
“Our customers are kind, sweet, amazing people, and that’s what I’m going to miss the most,” she said.
Gesturing to a wall of Santa figurines, known as Impossible Santas, she described their charm. Each one features Santa engaged in various activities – sleigh-riding, packing presents, or even relaxing on vacation.
“Growing up in my mom and dad’s store, watching them take the Impossible Santas, brand new, out of the box – I’ve always loved them,” Fabrizio said.
You might imagine the owner of a Christmas store to have an elaborate collection of holiday décor at home, but Fabrizio says otherwise.
“People say, ‘Oh, you must have a fabulous home,’ and I don’t,” she said. “I don’t take a lot of things home. It’s when someone picks out something special for you – that’s the stuff that really matters.”
Fabrizio has also customized ornaments for her customers over the years, adding names and dates. Tears filled her eyes as she reflected on this tradition.
“There are probably hundreds of my personalized ornaments on people’s trees across the city, the country, and even the world. That’s pretty cool to think about,” she said.
Jennifer Riddle, manager of Centennial Cuts next door and Marketing Chairperson for the Old Colorado City Associates, spoke highly of Fabrizio and her store’s impact on the community.
“They’ve been here for so long and have been a staple of support in the community,” Riddle said. “It’s nice to see them being able to do what they want now – travel, not be so tied to the shop.”
Riddle added that while new businesses are interested in taking over the space, Fabrizio’s unique energy will be missed.
“Julie’s store inspires joy and awe,” Riddle said. “You walk into the shop, and it’s magically sparkly. It’s inviting. People would walk by and say they just had to stop in.”
The Holly Leaf will continue spreading Christmas magic until its final day on Dec. 31. Fabrizio is offering 25% off storewide as she prepares to close this chapter of her life.
