Bailey\u2019s General Store on Sanibel recently unveiled its 2025 Christmas ornament, which serves as a symbol of resilience, community and recovery following Hurricane Ian in September 2022.<\/p>\n
The ornament is crafted from a piece of the original Bailey\u2019s sign that was salvaged from the parking lot in the storm\u2019s aftermath.<\/p>\n
For visitors to A Bit of Bailey\u2019s at the interim Rabbit Road location, the weathered sign fragment has become the first thing they see upon arrival \u2014 a daily reminder of both what was lost and what has been rebuilt. The family shared that by transforming the piece of history into an ornament, it invites the community to celebrate not only the season, but also the spirit of perseverance that defines Sanibel.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a bit of the sign for A Bit of Bailey\u2019s,\u201d fourth-generation family member Dane Johnson said. \u201cIt\u2019s a reminder of where we\u2019ve been and where we\u2019re going, as we continue toward full recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n
The family noted that adding even deeper meaning, this year marks the arrival of his daughter \u2014 the first of the Johnson family\u2019s fifth generation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ornament serves as a symbol of continuity, honoring the past while looking forward with hope and gratitude to the future,\u201d it shared.<\/p>\n
The tradition began in 2009 with an idea driven by one of Bailey\u2019s longtime staff members, Pat Kiely. Kiely\u2019s unfailing dedication to the Bailey\u2019s brand led to her creation of the first ornament, custom-made and gold-plated by the Charleston Mint, which featured the Bailey\u2019s logo. It has since sold out forever.<\/p>\n
The 2025 ornament will be available for purchase through Bailey\u2019s online store at https:\/\/baileysofsanibel.myshopify.com\/<\/a> and at A Bit of Bailey\u2019s, at 975 Rabbit Road, Sanibel.<\/p>\n A portion of proceeds will support ongoing recovery efforts on Sanibel and Captiva.<\/p>\n