First Lady Cathy Justice joined West Virginia Arts, Culture and History Cabinet Secretary Randall Reid-Smith to unveil her official 2024 limited edition Christmas ornament.
This year’s Christmas ornament beautifully showcases West Virginia’s iconic State Capitol building, as seen from the south side overlooking the Kanawha River. Adding a playful touch, West Virginia’s beloved First Dog, Babydog, is featured to the side of the Capitol. The West Virginia state flag proudly waves in the upper right corner, tying together this heartfelt tribute to the state’s heritage and charm.
“We wanted this year’s ornament to be a special tribute, tying together the incredible eight years we’ve spent as West Virginia’s First Family,” First Lady Justice said. “This state and its people mean the world to Jim and me, and it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as your Governor and First Lady. Our Capitol building is a breathtaking symbol of West Virginia, and we knew it had to be at the heart of this design—along with Babydog, of course, who had to make her mark!”
In addition to the ornament, there is an insert that depicts the history of the West Virginia Capitol’s dome throughout the years. This fascinating overview highlights the design, construction and evolution of one of the most recognizable landmarks in the state. From its original conception to its iconic gilded exterior, the dome stands as a testament to West Virginia’s resilience and pride. The insert offers a glimpse into the architectural artistry and rich heritage that make the Capitol a beloved symbol of the Mountain State.
“Cathy absolutely knocked it out of the park with this year’s Christmas ornament,” Governor Jim Justice said. “When you think about what makes West Virginia special, our beautiful State Capitol is one of the first things that comes to mind. And, of course, we had to add Babydog—she’s become a bit of an icon around here. But seriously, Cathy and I are so thankful for our time serving as the Governor and First Lady and all the wonderful folks who make West Virginia the best place on earth. We hope everyone will enjoy this ornament as much as we do.”
The limited number of 1,000 ornaments are priced at $20 each and are only available at the Tamarack Marketplace at The Culture Center in Charleston.
Those interested in purchasing an ornament may call (304) 205-7911 and leave a voicemail with their name and phone number.
It is strongly recommended that anyone leaving a voicemail leave only their name and number, not their credit card information. If you need your ornament shipped, Tamarack will advise on packaging and shipping costs.
The Tamarack Marketplace at The Culture Center hours are 9:00 am-4:30 pm Tuesday-Saturday. Any voicemails left regarding the ornaments while the shop is closed will be returned in the order they were received.
