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Falling leaves and temperatures may signal the changing season, but the official kickoff of the holidays begins at 5 p.m. Friday when WILLow LeaVes of Hope, located at 326 Jackson St. in downtown Hope, reopens with its Annual Christmas Open House.

“I love this time of year even though the weather is cold,” says Vickie Tedder, co-owner of WILLow LeaVes of Hope. “It is fun.”

A wonderland of holiday lights, hot apple cider, gifts and décor will greet visitors who stop in for the open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

“We are going to have hourly door prizes,” Tedder says. “We figure that way we can give them while the customers are there.”

Among the treasures awaiting visitors are a variety of homemade seasonal florals, unique wreaths and all one needs to make the season bright. Items hand-crafted by local artisans, including exclusive wooden earrings designed by Jessica Miller, seasonally scented candles, one-of-a-kind home décor and antiques will all qualify for the 10 percent store-wide discount during open house hours, Tedder says.

Gift certificates will also be available.

Tedder and the WILLow LeaVes staff look forward to greeting this season’s holiday shoppers, Tedder says.

A delicious dinner of WILLow LeaVes' ever-popular chicken and noodles will be served Friday evening and during lunch on Saturday.

Visit WILLow LeaVes of Hope on social media HERE to keep up with the latest news and specials.