MorLyn’s Fine Jewelry in downtown Clanton embraces the Christmas spirit. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

Christmas shopping is taking place throughout Chilton County, and one of the businesses most excited for the season is MorLyn’s Fine Jewelry in downtown Clanton.

“We had our biggest black Friday this year,” owner Ann Glasscock said. “Sixty people were waiting in line outside before we even opened.”

One of the holiday promotions includes giving away a free deer rifle to any customer that spends $2,500 or more.

According to Glasscock, that has been quite the incentive and four rifles had already been handed out as of Wednesday.

Another unique promotion that has taken place over the past couple of years is the store’s wish list program.

Any customer that enters the store can add certain items that interest them into the computer database, which creates a list of popular items that customers in need of guidance can view.

“This year we’ve made a big push on getting the list out there on Facebook,” Glasscock said. “That has helped generate more interest.”

According to Glasscock, the idea for the list was created for those that walk into the store and say “I don’t have a clue what to get.”

Though MorLyn’s sees a steady stream of business each week leading up to Christmas, the busiest times are the initial surge after Thanksgiving and the final four days prior to Christmas.

“Many people have come in and expressed an interest in buying local, which is a great thing to hear,” Glasscock said.

MorLyn’s has a pair of storefront windows facing Highway 31 and Second Avenue North, and it has become tradition over the years for those windows to be decorated to showcase the holiday spirit.

This year’s window themes include a snowy blizzard and Santa putting packages under the Christmas tree.

“Nothing warms my heart more than to hear a customer’s appreciation,” Glasscock said. “The windows are a part of that.”