Christmas Reminiscences

Shopping, Singing, and Trimming

By Paula Green

There is something so magical about Christmas! As a child, the season glowed with wonder and magic. Now, as an adult, I am amazed by how much has changed. The holiday looks different when viewed through grown-up eyes. Still, for children, the enchantment remains.

Christmas shopping was not just a task, but an exhilarating adventure. I would eagerly head to the mall with my family. We'd catch a train ride, and then it was my turn to sit on Santa's lap and share my wish list. But Santa wasn't the only character; I also had the pleasure of meeting "Trina the Talking Christmas Tree" at Gimbel's Department Store in the North Hills Village. Her animated features and cheerful voice added an extra layer of excitement to the merry season. 

A holiday shopping trip in Pittsburgh was fascinating. First, spectacular window decorations caught your eye, and festive music filled the air. The streets were bustling with shoppers, and the stores showcased twinkling lights. Then, children lined up at Gimbels, Hornes, and Kaufmann's, hoping to see the most enchanting holiday window displays. 

Horne's had a beautiful Christmas tree on the corner of its building on Penn Avenue. Then there was Kaufmann's on Fifth Avenue and Smithfield Streets, a definite Pittsburgh favorite. Each of these downtown stores featured bargain sections, which made the whole shopping experience more adventurous. Finally, at day's end, everyone met under Kaufmann's clock, a tradition that signified the end of a successful holiday shopping trip.

Black Friday shopping was a unique experience, quite different from today. Yes, the stores were chaotic, but they didn't have the crazy early opening hours. The department stores would run specials all day long, not limited-hour bargains. Online shopping was not yet in existence, and the thrill of physically being in the store, surrounded by other excited shoppers, was a unique experience. 

Another holiday tradition that we treasured was going door-to-door in the neighborhood and singing Christmas carols. You didn't have to have a magnificent voice; you just needed to know the words and join in the fun. It really added some special cheer to the holiday season. It makes me wonder, where have all the carolers gone? The joy of singing together, spreading cheer, and feeling the warmth of the holiday season is a tradition I dearly miss.    

Finally, what is Christmas without a beautiful, festive tree? We always had a great time being creative when decorating the Christmas tree. We used to have a live tree, but eventually we switched to an artificial one. I remember the excitement of bringing the tree home, the joy of untangling the Christmas bulb strands, and the fun of carefully placing each ornament on the tree. Back in the day, trees had large Christmas bulb strands, not the small twinkle lights or today's LED ones. Another must for the tree was lots and lots of tinsel, which practically covered every branch, shimmering in the sparkle of the lights. These memories of decorating the tree with my family are some of the most cherished from my childhood.

Looking back at Christmases past is always so heart-warming. Treasure those beautiful holiday moments and may you and yours have a blessed Merry Christmas!