A Top-Shelf Holiday: Christmas Cheer at Top Shelf Design — Inspired by Miracle on 34th Street

There’s something special about this time of year when the snow falls softly, the lights twinkle, and we all slow down long enough to remember what really matters — kindness, hope, a little magic. At Top Shelf Design, we like to think we’re not just designing websites or logos.  We’re helping tell stories. And around the holidays, those stories shine a little brighter.

This year, as carols drift in and winter wraps the world in quiet wonder, we find ourselves thinking of Miracle on 34th Street — a film that captures the spirit of believing. The story of Kris Kringle reminding everyone that maybe, just maybe, magic is real. For us at TSD, that magic shows up in thoughtful design, attention to detail, and the warmth we bring clients and each other all year long.

Why Miracle on 34th Street Feels Like a Perfect Holiday Spirit for TSD

Like Susan Walker — the little girl in the movie — who is skeptical at first but ends up believing, clients come to us sometimes unsure what good design can do. Maybe they’ve been burned by cookie-cutter templates or clunky websites. But with TSD, we believe in bringing visions to life with clarity, care, and a little heart.

Just as Kris Kringle (Santa) brings more than gifts — he brings belief, hope, kindness — we aim to bring more than pixels and code. We bring trust, collaboration, and the kind of design that makes clients feel seen and understood. That’s the real “miracle” we share all year.

 A Peek at the TSD Team’s Holiday Design Season

  • Gregg — our “lifetime computer geek,” lead developer and CTO — is currently dreaming up sleek, cozy surprises: maybe a festive site redesign for a long-time client, or a little extra polish to a backend before the holidays. When most people write “holiday to-do” lists, Gregg writes “optimize code, secure servers, and sprinkle in some Christmas cheer.”
  • Monica, our lead designer and print-/branding wizard, is probably humming holiday tunes while sketching logo variations and printing mockups — with perhaps a side of cookies, since baking is her happy place. She brings that warmth and artistic touch into everything she does, turning even the simplest greeting card into something that feels like a holiday hug.
  • Andrew, lead designer and all-around creative professional, might be gathering cozy, wintry “behind-the-scenes” photos or prepping some soft, warm-themed holiday visuals. Whether for social posts, email greetings, or client gifts, he knows how to make designs feel personal and human — exactly the vibe this season calls for.
  • And Kathryn, founder and heart of TSD, probably reflects on another year of growth, projects, and relationships — feeling grateful for the team, the clients, and the trust that keeps TSD alive. Maybe she’s reminiscing about the early days (that humble kitchen-table launch) and feeling proud of how far we’ve come.

Together, the TSD team is like a little family: creative, supportive, and always up for turning a good idea into something magical.

Design, Stories & Holiday Magic — What We Believe In

Just like Miracle on 34th Street reminds us to hold on to hope, faith, and kindness — we believe design should do more than look nice. It should tell a story, evoke emotion, build trust.

This holiday season, we’re especially inspired to:

  • Create visuals that feel warm, welcoming — cards, emails, social posts or annual reports that don’t just “say thanks” but actually make someone feel valued.
  • Infuse design with personality — a little bit of humor, nostalgia, or surprise that sparks connection.
  • Treat clients like friends — reaching out, checking in, maybe even sending a small holiday note just because.
  • Deliver with care and thought — like Santa delivering more than toys: delivering meaning, sincerity, and a touch of magic.

A Wish from Us — and a Holiday Invitation

From all of us at TSD — Gregg, Monica, Andrew, Kathryn — we wish you a holiday as full of hope, warmth, and possibility as Miracle on 34th Street itself. May you believe a little more this season, laugh a little louder, and maybe even feel the twinkle of Christmas magic.

If you’ve got a project in mind before the new year — be it a website refresh, holiday campaign, or something completely new — we’re here, ready to help bring it to life with love, creativity, and a little extra sparkle.

Here’s to a wonderful holiday — and to believing in miracles.

author avatar
Kathryn Kiel
Kathryn is president of Top Shelf Design and serves in a relationship management role as liaison between our clients and the design team. She has a strong track record of helping our client initiatives succeed thanks to her skill in business process and passion for customer service. Kathryn’s leadership responsibilities also ensure our high standards of professionalism and accountability with each client project. Prior to launching Top Shelf Design, she served as senior vice president of InterSolutions, Inc. Kathryn is a graduate of James Madison University and holds an MBA from the University of Maryland.
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