Merry Christmas from Thistle & Clay

Merry Christmas from Thistle and Clay

As the year draws to a close and Christmas season settles over Royal Deeside, I wanted to take a quiet moment to say thank you.

To my customers, friends, neighbours, and family – I am so deeply grateful for your support. Running a small, independent business is never just about the products on the shelves. It’s about people. And this year, more than ever, you have reminded me why Thistle and Clay exists.

It hasn’t been the easiest of years. Like many, I’ve faced personal challenges alongside the day-to-day realities of running a small business. There were moments when things felt heavy, but kept going – together. Your kindness, encouragement, conversations at the counter, and continued support meant more than you’ll ever know.

This year also marked a very special milestone: seven years since the doors of our wee shop first opened. Seven years of formulating, blending, learning, chatting, laughing, and putting the world to rights. When I look back, I’m filled with love – not just in what we make, but in the community that has grown around Thistle and Clay.

As a Christian, the Christmas season goes far deeper than gifts and tinsel for me. It’s about Jesus’ birth, “Emmanuel - God with us” God coming to live on Earth with us, to teach us about love, and how to live our lives to honour and respect each other, and our creator. Those values sit at the heart of everything we do here. Every product is made with care and intention – not churned out in a far-off factory, but hand crafted by someone who lives in your community, who knows your name, greets you at the door. 

I’m far from being perfect. But I will always offer an ear, a friendly smile (sometimes a wee tear) and often a hug. Thistle and Clay has always been more than a shop.

As I look ahead, I feel a real sense of excitement for what’s coming. 2026 is shaping up to be the year for Thistle and Clay. With my twins joining their brother in the academy and become increasingly independent (as much as I love having them close), I’ll have more time to build on what we’ve achieved so far. There’s so much potential ahead, and I can’t wait to see where the next chapter takes us.

Thank you for choosing small. Thank you for choosing local. Thank you for supporting a dream that started with a simple idea and has grown into something truly special.

From my heart to yours, I wish you peace, love, and joy this Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all. 🎄✨