'We just fill the store': Charlottetown bakery stays busy over Christmas

Come December, Elaine Deblois gives up her usual spot in the front of Buns and Things Bakery and moves into what she calls the "sweet department."

In the back room of the Charlottetown business, she and her husband Rob spend the days until Christmas rolling the dough for shortbread and gingerbread cookies.

Deblois told Mainstreet P.E.I. she can't even count how many cookies she bakes in December.

"We just fill the store and people just buy them," she said. "They are made fresh and we never take account."

Secret, old recipes

The best-kept secret at the bakery is Deblois' family recipe for plum pudding.

Rob Deblois said the recipe originated with his grandmother who was born in the early 1890's.

His mother gave it to the couple when they first opened the bakery 30 years ago. They still bake it with the same ingredients today.

"It is different from everyone else's that's on the go. It's an old, old recipe as I say and we are very proud of it," he said.

Retirement plans

Next year, the recipe, along with all the duties of Christmas baking, will move into the hands of yet another Deblois family member, as Elaine and Rob are heading into retirement.

Their son Bill Deblois will then take over the business.

There is a reason why "you should get out when you are getting a little older," said Rob.

While some of the customers may miss them, Elaine added they excited the bakery will remain in the family.

"That will ensure, I would think, that it's around for another generation," she said.

"It's been a lovely local business."

For now, the three will have to get through Christmas first.

"The biggest day of the year is Christmas Eve," said Rob Deblois. "A ton of product comes out and everything just happens."

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | 'I just want my daddy home:' What kids told this mall Santa
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS | Islanders' access to new stroke operation 'limited, but not hopeless'