I grew up on Holland Street and remember
how special Christmas was as a child. The season always began when
the Christmas lights appeared across Springfield Avenue.
I would often check them out from the vantage point of Nuasbaums
Drug store. It was an old fashioned drugs store. Just medications
and a soda fountain. Jerry was a trusted family friend for many
folks and you could call and ask him questions about your symptoms
and if he thought that you needed to see a doctor.
Soon after the arrival of the lights, the tree salesman usually
had the trees lined up. We always got ours around the 23rd. Guess
I enjoyed the outdoor lights on Springfield because my Mom wouldn't
allow lights on the tree at home. Too dangerous!
I recall too when the independent buses challenged Public Service
and began to appear on the 25 Springfield and 31 South Orange routes.
But Christmas was always a special time and while it got started
later than it does today, I enjoyed every minute.
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