Deer Makes Unlikely Holiday Visit to Tennessee Christmas Store, Gets Stuck in Chair
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. — In a holiday scene straight out of a Christmas comedy, a deer unexpectedly broke into a Tennessee Christmas store early Friday morning, causing a stir before getting wedged in a chair and eventually being escorted back outside by local police. The unusual visitor made its way into Gabriel’s Christmas and More, a beloved seasonal shop in Jonesborough, where it proceeded to explore the festive merchandise with surprising enthusiasm.
The Jonesborough Police Department took to social media to share the amusing incident, describing how the deer “took a grand tour: sniffed the ornaments, inspected the garland, side-eyed a nutcracker, and galloped around like he was trying to remember where he parked the sleigh.” The department humorously suggested the animal was “three sips too deep into the Holiday Spirits,” referencing the deer’s apparent holiday cheer.
Officers were called to the scene after the four-legged intruder refused to leave on its own. According to Officer Adam Depew, who spoke with WJHL-TV, the deer initially darted around the store, evading attempts to guide it out. “We just kind of let the deer run back up front, hoping that it would go back out the front door. It didn’t happen,” Depew said. When the animal became stuck trying to squeeze through the bottom of a chair, officers seized the opportunity to safely extract it.
“I just said I was going to grab it. What other choice do we got? You know, so they goes in the chair and I was like, ‘gotcha,'” Depew recounted. Once freed, the deer quickly dashed back into the woods, unharmed.
Lisa Melancon, a merchandiser at Gabriel’s Christmas and More, expressed disbelief at the incident. “Our sweet Christmas store got invaded by a deer. So it was pretty shocking, but nobody thought it was real. I mean, every employee thought we were joking,” she said. Melancon added with a smile, “Well, I mean, that’s why she probably wanted to come and do some shopping and get some last-minute gifts, and she knew where to come.”
Jonesborough’s encounter with the inquisitive deer is one of several recent instances of wildlife surprising Tennessee residents during the holiday season. Just a day earlier, a black bear was spotted wandering into a Christmas parade in the state, delighting onlookers and reminding locals of the region’s rich natural heritage.
Such events underscore the importance of coexistence between humans and wildlife, a principle supported by organizations like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which provides guidance on safely managing interactions with wild animals. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency also offers resources to educate the public on how to respond to unexpected wildlife encounters.
As the holiday season continues, the story of the deer’s brief shopping spree at Gabriel’s Christmas and More has brought smiles and a touch of whimsy to the community. It serves as a reminder that nature often has its own plans, even amid the hustle and bustle of human festivities.
For those interested in wildlife safety and holiday preparedness, the Ready.gov holiday safety tips offer valuable advice to ensure a joyful and secure season for both people and animals alike.
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