Central Coasting Carmel: A visit to see Kris Kringle

CARMEL, Calif (KION) If you don’t have the Christmas spirit yet, a few minutes spent at Kris Kringle of Carmel should do the trick.

Some customers come back for a yearly fix.

“I come here every year at this time. I come here and get my ornaments for my family. Every year. Family ornaments and individual ornaments,” said Lori Hart from Albuquerque NM.

Kris Kringle of Carmel has been open since 1984. That’s a lot of ho ho hos.

"We have products from Germany and Russia, and as many US companies as we can find," said owner Carol Montana.

Decorations range from collector edition nutcrackers, to nesting dolls, all manner of Santa Clauses, and lots of glass and glitter.

Britney and Trish stopped in to add to the family collection of caroling dolls.

When asked how many the family owns, Trish simply said, "Many."

With some ornaments, there’s more than meets the eye. Each piece in a village of tiny laser cut wooden homes and shops has a hidden secret inside.

There are ornaments for dog lovers and cat lovers. Otters and golfers too. And nearly all can be personalized with names and dates.

For owner Carol Montana it’s a chance to spread Christmas cheer every day of the year.

"Yes, we don’t have too many Grinches that come in," she said. "Most people are not bah humbug, they’re just delighted to be here.”