SooToday received the following letter from Glenna Davey about the memories she has of Christmas and what it means to her.
The Christmases of the past are starting to come back in my memories. Gifts, simple scarves, hand knit sweaters, mitts, hats, affection we got from my grandmother, aunts and uncles. I can't count the cards strung on a line across living room doorways! When I was a kid, Sears would deliver toboggans, sleds, dolls and toys we picked out of the catalogue. Batons was another company that delivered, when I looked at the catalogue, I didn't look at prices, but it didn't matter, Santa would bring something for everyone!
There sure seemed like a lot of booze. I recall company, all hours of the night! I remember looking forward to going to Grandma's for Christmas dinner, all of my uncles, aunts and cousins gathered, and we had fun, family fun, laughter, "ohhs" and "ahhs" over gifts bought for our grandparents. There was hugging and kissing, but the true spirit of Christmas was everywhere!
Grandma's living room was small, somehow we all fit in! More excitement ensued when WSOO from Sault Michigan, announced that Santa was getting closer. The radar recorded his every move! Then on CJIC radio, in Sault Ontario, I recall vividly, the old Christmas songs, the time leading up to Christmas, we watched Don Ramsay, Freddie Kent and the Northern Aires, played country music mixed with Christmas music, Don sang a few songs, and his little girl Donna, made her debut on her dad's show! Freckled faced little Donna, who knew she was destined for fame!
Queen Street was decorated with lights, the Christmas parade was always a favourite, getting kids so hyper, I thought they would pass out! Stores were open late, traffic was heavy on those nights, more because of shoppers, at chainway, dresses, metropolitan stores, and smaller shops located throughout Queen Street. I can still see my uncles, gathered around the small black and white TV in grandpa's living room, cheering for the Montreal Canadiens. I often pine for those days, there was commercialism, not to the degree there is today! But let me tell you, Christmas was midnight mass, going home, getting in bed and waiting for Santa!
My gosh, where did the time go?
Glenna Davey
Sault Ste. Marie