Country Charm Christmas Cottage opens in Marian, Mackay

A former banker has indulged her inner child by opening a festive shop stocking heirloom-quality Christmas goodies including Mark Roberts, Jim Shore and more. See where.

Country Charm Christmas Cottage in Marian, west of Mackay, is a labour of love for Andrea Galea, who is passionate about bringing out your inner child and sharing the magic of the festive season. Picture: Mel Scriha Photography

“I had one lady who was like, ‘Oh my god, I have heart palpitations I’m so excited’.”

This type of reaction upon entering a retail shop may seem a little over-the-top, but it’s the “magical atmosphere” of Christmas bringing out the inner child, says Andrea Galea.

The shop owner, more commonly known as the face behind Country Charm Garden and Gifts at Marian over the past decade, has gone fully festive this year, morphing her boutique into Country Charm Christmas Cottage.

“I just wanted a bit of a change,” Mrs Galea explained.

“I suppose you’re always looking to broaden your horizons and I think also with Covid … everyone seemed to be looking for something to make them happy and get them away from reality.

“So I said, ‘I’m going to do what I really love’.”

Country Charm Christmas Cottage in Marian, west of Mackay, is a labour of love for Andrea Galea, who is passionate about bringing out your inner child and sharing the magic of the festive season. Picture: Mel Scriha Photography

The former banker, who has four Christmas trees in her own home, said she never tired of opening parcels of goodies and working them into displays.

“Some items, you kind of tuck them at the back (of the store) hoping they are going to stay longer,” she said with a laugh.

Mrs Galea said she prided herself on selecting heirloom-quality items with 95 per cent of the store’s hanging ornaments made of glass.

Country Charm Christmas Cottage in Marian, west of Mackay, is a festive wonderland. Picture: Mel Scriha Photography

And for the enthusiastic Christmas decorators out there, there are products from Raz, Swish, Possible Dreams, Mark Roberts, Jim Shore and more.

“When you walk into my shop, it tells a story,” Mrs Galea said.

“It makes people think outside the square.

Country Charm Christmas Cottage in Marian, west of Mackay, is a labour of love for Andrea Galea, who is passionate about bringing out your inner child and sharing the magic of the festive season. Picture: Mel Scriha Photography

“With Christmas, it’s not just the traditional green, red and gold anymore.

“We’ve got one tree that’s full of lollies, we’ve got another one that’s a woodland tree.

“Then we’ve got one that’s all butterflies and ostrich feathers.

“The kids love it, they get so excited … they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s Santa everywhere’.”

Country Charm Christmas Cottage Andrea Galea said children squealed with delight when they stepped into the Christmas magic. Picture: Mel Scriha Photography

And if you were wondering how anyone could stay sane surrounded by Christmas all year long, Mrs Galea answered with a laugh: “You definitely can’t be a Grinch, oh my gosh.”

“You just have to want to make people happy.”

You must book ahead to visit the store at 9 Matsens Road with slots available from 9am to 1pm on Wednesdays and 9am to 4pm on Saturdays.

The current waiting list extends to early December.

Children are welcome provided they are with a supervising adult.

A website is in the works which will allow orders to be placed online.