A Heartfelt Thank You: Reflecting on an Incredible 2025 Christmas Market Season

A Heartfelt Thank You: Reflecting on an Incredible 2025 Christmas Market Season

As the twinkling lights fade and we gently fold away the last cozy displays of our Large Alpaca Blankets and Alpaca Scarves, we find ourselves filled with deep gratitude and a quiet sense of joy. The 2025 Christmas Market season has officially come to a close, and what a truly magical journey it has been. From the rolling countryside charm of The Saskatoon Farm to the bustling elegance of Spruce Meadows Christmas Market, every event became a chapter in our story—a story shaped by you, our incredible community.

Each weekend brought new faces and familiar ones returning for their annual “Meraki Moment.” From Banff to Millarville and Okotoks, our booth became more than a simple space of display—it became a meeting place filled with laughter, warm embraces, and countless stories about alpacas, cozy winter days, and gift-giving traditions. It’s these conversations that remind us how deeply craftsmanship, quality, and connection intertwine. Our hands may make the products, but it’s your hearts that bring them to life.

Gratitude That Warms the Heart

We could not have asked for a more uplifting season. To everyone who stopped by to chat, shared your stories, or wrapped yourselves in one of our Oversized Blanket Scarves, thank you. Whether you discovered your new favourite Alpaca Socks or gifted a loved one one of our soft Large Throws, your presence made this season shine.

We especially loved hearing your feedback—it helps guide every design, texture, and tone we create.

Here are a few of our favourite customer moments from this year:

  • “Your scarves made my winter photos magical!” – Laurie from Okotoks

  • “No itch! I can wear this all day!” – Angie from Spruce Meadows

  • “The perfect blanket for photographers!” – Jolee from Banff

These heartfelt notes capture the spirit of what Meraki Movement stands for: comfort that’s beautiful, functional, and made to last. When we see customers returning season after season, we know that what we’re creating is more than just a product—it’s a tradition.

Many visitors this year shared stories of how our alpaca pieces have become part of their family homes: blankets draped across the backs of reading chairs, scarves treasured as winter heirlooms, and socks that accompany daily walks through snowy Alberta streets. It’s the real-life warmth behind those moments that fuels every new collection we craft.

If you haven’t yet experienced the difference alpaca makes, we invite you to learn more through our blog, Why Alpaca Wool Outperforms Sheep’s Wool for Canadian Winters. It explains the unique fiber properties that make these textiles both lightweight and incredibly insulating—a sustainable choice that feels as good as it looks.

The Beauty of the Markets

Every market we attended this winter had its own rhythm, its own energy. At The Saskatoon Farm, snowflakes dusted the roofs of the market stalls, creating a scene that felt straight from a storybook. In Banff, visitors arrived from all parts of Alberta and beyond, drawn by the combination of mountain air, artisan energy, and the timeless charm of handmade goods. Spruce Meadows offered a whirlwind of energy—festive music, hot cocoa stands, and families wrapped up in festive excitement. And at Millarville, one of Alberta’s most beloved holiday markets, we experienced something that felt deeply personal: generations of visitors bringing their children and grandchildren to discover small businesses like ours.

What struck us most this season was the growing appreciation for locally made and ethically crafted products. More guests than ever stopped to ask about sourcing, sustainability, and the difference alpaca fiber makes—not just in warmth, but in environmental care. Our Alpaca Socks are made with a blend designed to keep feet dry without synthetic irritation, and our blankets are woven from ethically sourced alpaca fiber from fair-trade suppliers in Peru, supporting small-scale farmers and preserving traditional craftsmanship.

Red Stripe Alpaca Socks: Large | Meraki Movement

The Heart Behind the Craft

For us, each product begins as a story before it becomes something you can hold. Every Alpaca Scarf carries hours of design decisions—from selecting earthy tones inspired by Alberta’s landscapes to ensuring each weave pattern delivers the perfect balance between structure and softness. Our Large Alpaca Blankets are intentionally oversized because we believe warmth should be shared; they’re just as perfect for cozying up with a book as they are for gathering the whole family around a fire on a cold evening.

Creating these pieces reminds us that true slow fashion is as much about intention as it is about style.

We also draw plenty of inspiration from alpacas themselves—gentle, resilient, and wonderfully expressive animals who never fail to make us smile. Learn more about their unique qualities and the environmental benefits of alpaca fiber at the International Alpaca Association.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Alonzo summed it up perfectly this year: “We saw more cozy humans than ever. Let’s do it again, but even warmer!”

As we restock and redesign for 2026, our creative energy is flowing with your feedback in mind. From deeper, more dramatic hues to limited-edition patterns inspired by Alberta’s winter skies, there’s a lot to look forward to. We’re experimenting with new alpaca blend textures and colour palettes that celebrate contrasts—warm earth tones beside icy blue gradients, rustic weaves with modern geometric inspiration.

If you have a suggestion, a favourite market memory, or a colour you’d love to see next year, we invite you to share it with us in our Instagram DM's. Your input helps shape what comes next. Every review—big or small—contributes to our design direction and helps future market-goers discover the magic of Meraki.

To stay up to date on our progress, follow us on Instagram at @merakimovement.ca where we share behind-the-scenes clips from our studio, sneak peeks of upcoming products, and community stories. We also post educational snippets about alpaca care, fiber benefits, and how to properly maintain your textiles for longevity.

Check out our guide on How to Wash and Care for Alpaca Blankets for tips to keep your Meraki products soft and beautiful over time.

Staying Cozy Into the New Year

Winter might still be in full swing, but that doesn’t mean the market season spirit has to end. As a thank-you to our loyal community, we’re offering a special promotion this January: LASTCHANCE – Save 25% on select items!

This limited-time event is the perfect opportunity to stock up on gifts for upcoming birthdays or to finally treat yourself to the Oversized Blanket Scarf you fell in love with at our booth. Each piece is handcrafted for lasting comfort, making it a gift that not only looks beautiful but also tells a meaningful story.

You can also join our warm online community for early access to new collections, exclusive email-only offers, and seasonal stories that bring the world of alpaca craftsmanship straight to your inbox.

Join the Email List & Save 15% →at the bottom of this page!

A Final Note of Thanks

To our market neighbours, local organizers, and customers who travelled near and far to support Canadian artists—thank you. You’ve proven that connection and craftsmanship still matter deeply in a world of fast trends. You reminded us what it means to show up, to seek warmth, and to give gifts made with purpose.

As we move forward into another year of creativity and community, know that every purchase, social share, and kind word fuels our mission. You are the reason our small business continues to grow, adapt, and bring comfort into Canadian homes, one blanket at a time.

Until next season, may your days be cozy, your homes full of laughter, and your hearts as warm as alpaca wool.

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