City Sidewalks (Keith's Memories 3)

One of Mom’s favorite Christmas carols was Silver Bells. The first time I remember her telling me this was once when I was about 5 years old. It is easy for me to remember since we were on our way to see Santa.

It was dark and fluffy flakes of snow were lazily drifting down layering the frozen ground with a blanket that cushioned each step with a soft squeaky crunch. We were at Southland Shopping Center and had just left Warzy’s Deli. The fragrance of coffee beans and hero sandwiches followed us out the door.

Santa was in a small trailer pulled up in front of J.C. Penny’s. Since Southland was a strip center, we walked outside the 60 or so yards to the trailer. The center was decorated with silver and gold lights. A very large silver metallic and tinsel angel, trumpet pursed to lips, hung in profile from each light pole. Outdoor speakers played carols.

A few steps outside the deli, Bing began crooning Silver Bells.
“Ah, this is my favorite.”

Hand in hand, Mom’s alto matching Bing’s baritone, we crunched our way to Santa.

Christmas time in the city.

Gather friends and family around and listen to this true story from one of Santa’s elves.

Santa Land at NPR