Strictly Business: Christmas House Doesn’t Take a Holiday
Elmira, NY – I’ve always wondered what went on at the Christmas House, that gift shop in the multi-colored Victorian home at 361 Maple Ave. in Elmira, after the owners put the big “See You in July” sign in the front window and shut down for the season.
So one day last week I asked Julie Delgrosso, who has run the business since 1993, how she spent her off-season — which officially ended two weeks ago when the shop re-opened.
And this is what I learned: In her busy world of retailing, there is no off-season. Yes, it’s true the Christmas House is closed from January to July 1. But that doesn’t mean the owner is sitting around counting the loot.

