Bailey’s General Store on Sanibel has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 Christmas ornament, transforming a piece of storm history into a potent symbol of resilience, community, and the island’s journey toward recovery following Hurricane Ian in September 2022.
This year’s unique ornament is crafted from a fragment of the original, weathered Bailey’s sign that was famously salvaged from the parking lot in the storm’s aftermath.
A Piece of History, A Daily Reminder
The distressed sign fragment has stood at the entrance of “A Bit of Bailey’s,” their interim Rabbit Road location, serving as a powerful, daily touchpoint for visitors—a quiet testament to both the losses sustained and the determination driving the rebuilding effort. By reimagining this historical piece as a holiday ornament, the Bailey family is inviting the community to celebrate not just the season, but the unyielding spirit of perseverance that defines Sanibel.
“We have a bit of the sign for A Bit of Bailey’s,” said fourth-generation family member Dane Johnson. “It’s a reminder of where we’ve been and where we’re going, as we continue toward full recovery.”
Adding a layer of personal significance, this year also marks the arrival of Johnson’s daughter, the first member of the family’s fifth generation. The ornament is therefore described as a “symbol of continuity, honoring the past while looking forward with hope and gratitude to the future.”
Continuing a Beloved Tradition
The annual ornament tradition began in 2009, an idea championed by longtime staff member Pat Kiely. Her dedication led to the creation of the first custom-made, gold-plated ornament by the Charleston Mint, which featured the original Bailey’s logo (and has since sold out permanently).
How to Purchase & Support Recovery
The 2025 resilience ornament is available for purchase now:
- In-Store: At A Bit of Bailey’s, located at 975 Rabbit Road, Sanibel.
- Online: Through Bailey’s online store at: https://baileysofsanibel.myshopify.com/
A portion of the proceeds from the ornament sales will be donated to support ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts across Sanibel and Captiva.
