It was like any small town parade. Fancy convertibles with pretty Queens and Princesses of one association or another, all dressed in their best, and with glittering tiaras on their heads. There were fire trucks and police cruisers honking loud horns and sirens. Many gaily adorned floats were seen (one even showered the street with artificial snow) and, of course, Santa and his elves. Yes, it presented all the Christmas flare of a typical December night. The difference was that everyone was in their shirt sleeves. Many of the parades' pretty girls were in their best summer attire and I think poor Santa was roasting in his suit. With temperatures in the sixties, it seemed more like Easter Parade weather than a December event. However, though the temps were spring-like, the atmosphere was all North Pole and Christmas.
The streets were alive with excited children, some with red stocking caps, holding bags in great anticipation of candy and other gifts. They shouted in delight when they heard “HO HO HO”, and a jolly white-bearded man in a red suit rounded the corner, in the company of green and red clad little folks with pointy ears. The many Christmas lights in the shop windows lit up the night in a dazzling display of color. Garland hung from the old style street lamps and red bow adorned wreaths hung on nearly every restaurant and shop door. Shopkeepers took a break from their tasks to stand in their doorways to watch the happy event. Some would even tell the few disinterested customers “Take a look around, I’ll be right outside the door when you want to check out.” This was an event not to be missed.
We stood outside one of the many antique shops along the riverfront area, and watched the folks waving and smiling, enjoying the evening. I was struck by the thought that, in front of these same old buildings, Samuel Clemens himself had similarly witnessed the arrival of Christmases 150 years ago. One of the floats even carried the winners of the Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher contest, both wearing period dress. Cute kids for sure. They smiled and waved merrily to the crowd. Yes, the night was filled with cheery folks and goodwill.
The waitresses at the cafe where we dined were extra congenial this night. Store owners did not seem as weary at seven o’clock in the evening as they usually would. In fact, one owner stayed open past her usual closing time while we browsed, and as I struggled with my desire for an antique rocking chair. I wanted it. It was exactly like the one I remember my great grandmother kept in her bedroom to sit in. But I ultimately decided against buying it.
As we checked out with the small purchases our friends had made, the owners smiled brightly, and in passing conversation only, did we find that we had gone past closing time and that these poor folks hadn’t had their supper yet. We apologized and hurried out, even though I still had a longing for that chair.
Every shop had their best Christmas displays in the windows, and besides the usual bistro aromas, the street smelled of peppermint, cinnamon, and pine from the food and items presented for the holidays. Nearly everyone we met smiled and said hello, and remarked on the beauty of the evening. Feeling generous myself, I paid for the dinner with our friends. It was a bargain price for a grand evening of great weather, laughter, food, and friendship. And we ended the evening back at our friends house for desert. A wonderful beginning to the Holidays. And if I had held any doubt that the Christmas Spirit was alive and well last night, it would have been gone today.
I awoke this morning and thought about that oak rocking chair with the big thick cushion. As I poured my coffee, I said to Patty “ I would like to go back to Hannibal after Sunday Meetin' and buy that old chair.” She looked up from her cooking and smiled, but shook her head no.
“We can’t”. Oh, okay. She grinned and said “ I have already talked to Jodie and she is picking it up for you today after they finish dinner.” Really? Well...Merry Christmas to me. And to you as well, Sam Clemens... say hello to Tom and Huck for me.
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