If you have not noticed, the season is upon us. It was evident the day after Halloween in every store in town. It still amazes me how quickly the malls can switch gears to lure us into the mood of spending the old pension check.
(Courtesy of Ron Graham)
Remember when the start of this mania used to be early December, and each store repeatedly played the popular noels we enjoyed humming along to? By the time Christmas arrives now, we are saturated with them. Thankfully, we have our haven at Happy Days to return to normalcy after those shopping days.
The park is now festooned with lights, wreaths and holiday decorations. The monthly calendar, filled with the activities of the season, brings us together and builds the anticipation of Christmas, as we all like to celebrate it with friendship, fellowship and the joy of our families.
The month started off with our first annual Christmas sale. Nearly every table in the recreation hall was loaded with crafts and homemade goodies. Nan is that an American Express card in your hand? Does Dale know?
With the success of the sale, I am sure many more will be held in the future. And look who showed up. Yes, there is a Santa when he is not tiptoeing through the tulips. Santa’s stand-in was Dennis Cosmo Jr., last season’s talent show’s Tiny Tim.
If we all could be as innocent with amazement, as a little child as the looking upon Santa. Great job Tim, ah, Dennis.
Later that evening the annual Christmas party was in full motion starting with a Christmas story from the Book of Luke read by Brenda, reminding us of the true meaning of this time of year.
Next, we had a quartet of bell ringers, thanks to Dick, Don, Phil and Bob who were brave enough to attach bells to their shorts and dance “Jingle Bells,” I think.
Santa again made an appearance handing out gifts to many park residents, some naughty and some nice. Mona gets a lump of coal. I don’t remember what that means, maybe Mick knows. Then there’s Ann with a roll of toilet paper. Naughty or nice? I’ll let the readers decide.
And of course Dick, Happy Days’ unofficial mayor, received the key to the park, which looks great around his neck.
Everyone had a great time, even those who had fun poked at them.
As everyone was leaving, there was talk of next week’s caroling. I’ll write about it soon, and I promise not to upload an audio file.
The season is truly upon us, and with the warm and generous feelings that it gives to all, the management, staff and residents sincerely wish the very best Christmas to you and your loved ones.
By Ian Marwick
Published December 24, 2014
