Nestled in downtown Hiawassee, GA, Always Christmas has been a local favorite and popular tourist stop since 1993. Ray and Faye Wine’s love for entrepreneurial endeavors inspired them to open retail stores. Several years prior, Faye ran The Hen’s Nest at a different location in Hiawassee. After several years of success, Ray and Faye purchased the property along HWY 76 between Lake Chatuge and downtown Hiawassee. They built two retail store buildings called The Shoppes at Tater Ridge. 

With the extra retail space, Faye came up with the idea for a year-round Christmas store out of her love for all things Christmas.  Always Christmas opened on August 7th, 1993.  Ray and Faye ran the store with one employee – a dear friend named Dottie Robinson, who put many of her own personal touches into the store and whose presence is still felt there today.