Good Old Days: Christmas on Main Street

By Mildred Olson

It was Christmastime. Every tree on the small town's Main Street was covered with bright, sparkling lights. Every store along that street had beautiful Christmas decorations in their front windows. The city had brought in small evergreen trees and challenged the school students to make appropriate decorations. Each side of that one block of the business district was lined with the trees. Prizes would be awarded to the school that had the best decorations on their designated tree.

Christmas music filled the crisp wintry air. Some said it came from on top of the library building. Every day, carolers dressed in period costumes and strolled along Main Street. Shopkeepers often gave out little sweet treats. If you happened by at just the right time, a merchant, sitting at a tinsel-decorated table, would hand you a hot cup of cocoa and maybe a tasty cookie.

A focal point of that short Main Street was the traditional Nativity scene. The figures were so lifelike, one paused to get the full intent of its meaning. The true meaning of Christmas. For just a short time, a person had the feeling of peace, contentment, and joy.

But that was years ago and, often, people remind one, “That was then and this is now.”

What happened to the good old days?