Even though I've been in retail for over 30 years, I still get excited this time of year. Yes, retail overly commercializes Christmas, no doubt. However, despite that, what I love about Christmas is how you can feel a shift in people's energy. They smile more. They seem more friendly and considerate.
My enjoyment of Christmas is a direct result of how my parents always made the holidays so special for us. I feel so blessed to have had my parents as my parents. I miss them dearly. However, I can still feel them around me.
*a photograph taken of my father and mother during a New Year's Eve party...
Both my mother and father made our home fun, festive, and magical. Between the decorations and LP Christmas records that played on our console stereo, our home felt like a Christmas wonderland. It was so much fun that when Christmas was over, we'd experience a letdown, especially when it came time to take down our Christmas tree in the living room.
One tradition that stands out for me was decorating the bay window in our living room with snow spray and stencils. Does anyone remember these?....
Over the past two weeks, I took photographs of colorful Christmas decor, inside and outside the city, that caught my eye.
Please enjoy...
When I was at work last weekend, these amazing acapella singers came into the store and sang a Christmas song. They sounded incredible!...
One of my favorite coffee spots in Old City. I love their holiday painted window display...
Four reflections of myself in this photograph...
I would like to conclude this post with a photograph of my favorite UK makeup artist, Lisa Eldridge, who I've been following for over 13 years on YouTube. What I admire most about Lisa is that she shares makeup tutorials that are easy to follow and that anyone can use; not just makeup artists. I've learned more about makeup from Lisa than I have from anyone else. She's absolutely brilliant! And she's also a sweetheart.
Here she is wearing her very own gorgeous classic red lipstick that is perfect for the holiday season. This color is one of four in her tutorial: 4 Ways to Wear Red Lips...
🎄🎅🤶💝 Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! 🎄🎅🤶💝
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Christmas Movies I Enjoy:
Touching -
-Noel
Comedies-
Classics-
Ron, all your photographs are so beautiful. All the various colors made me smile. As well as that photo of your father and mother. WOW, what handsome couple! Isn't it something to look at photographs from years and years ago and see how people dressed back then? Such style! A lot like today, right? ROFLMAO!
ReplyDeleteThat tree with the blue and silver balls is incredible! Is that in the city? And the acapella singers look so COOL! I had a close friend of mine who was acapella singer in college. It was an all male group. They sounded amazing.
Do you have any plans for Christmas? I'll be hanging out with a few friend, nothing big. We'll have dinner and watch a few movies. Speaking of which, "Home Alone" is on our list!
Merry Christmas, Ron! Looking forward to reading your posts in 2025. Cheers!
Oh Ron, I so love the reindeer topiaries dress in holiday gear. How festive! Are they in a park? A shopping plaza? I also love all those gorgeous red red poinsettias.
ReplyDeleteI love this time of year too. I have friends who can't stand it. They're looking forward to when it's over. I refer to them as my "Bah Humpug Friends." In other words SCROOGES.
How considerate that your property manager decorates your apartment lobby. I bet it feels so nice to walk through your lobby when coming home.
You father and mother were a dazzling couple! I love how they're touching each others hands.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Ron! I hope Santa brings you whatever you want! xo
Thank you, Daniel! I had so much funny taking these photos.
ReplyDelete"Isn't it something to look at photographs from years and years ago and see how people dressed back then? Such style! A lot like today, right? ROFLMAO!"
OMG, you sound just like me because I think and say the same thing. My favorite decades for fashion are 30s, 40s, and 50s. Both the women and men looked so sharp and classy.
Yes, that tree is in a shopping plaza not far from my apartment. I go there a lot because they have a Mom's Organic Market that I like. I get most of produce there. The whole plaza is so nice. They have an awesome dog grooming salon there too. Don't you love the sound of acapella singers? One of my friends in Orlando had a friend who sang acapella in Disneyworld. He had such a great voice.
Thanksgiving and Christmas I like to lay low and just chill at home. I watch a few movies, make a nice dinner for myself (soup and fresh bread), and drink some red wine. The next day I have to be in work early, for all the customers who are making RETURNS. LOL!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel! Have a faaaaaabulous holiday!
Cheers and X
Good evening, Abby!
ReplyDeleteAren't thos reindeer FABULOUS? I saw them in Ardmore last weekend and had to take a picture. I love their coats and scarve. So cute! Yes, they are in a shopping area called, Surburban Square. Such a beautiful plaza with amazing stores. The whole Ardmore area is beatiful. I want to move there!
" I have friends who can't stand it. They're looking forward to when it's over. I refer to them as my "Bah Humpug Friends." In other words SCROOGES."
OMG, that made me LOL! I also know a few people (I work with) who feel that way about the holidays. For as long as I've been in retail, I still love the holidays. I enjoy helping people pick out gifts and stocking stuffers for their families and friends.
My property manager is the best we've ever had in this building. She takes a lot of pride in her job and treats this apartment building as her own home.
Thank you. I know, don't you love how they are gently touching hands? So sweet!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too, Abby! Hope Santa brings you something special!
Cheers and X
Ron, I want to chime in with Daniel and Abby, your father and mother make a gorgeous couple! I'm so glad you can still feel them around you. I believe in that. I can often feel the presence of my grandmother, who I loved and worshiped. Even though she passed 20 years ago, I still miss her. Particularly around the holidays.
ReplyDeleteYour photographs (as always) are beautiful! How wonderful that the acapella singers came into your work. I'm sure all the customer enjoyed them. I love those tops hats on the guys.
And this is so ironic, but do you know that I ALSO follow Lisa Eldridge on YouTube!!!! To me, she's the best. Since following her, I deleted all the other makeups artists I used to follow. Don't you love her new line of lipsticks? He entire makeup line is stellar. That red lipstick on her looks stunning! Reminds me of the color women would often wear in the 40s and 50s. CLASSIC red!
Wishing you a wonderful holiday, dearest Ronnie! I am so glad you and I met online eons ago, and are still connected. Have a great New Year too! xoxox
P.S. Isn't 'The Family Stone' such a great movie? I've seen it so many times and it still makes me cry at the end.
Hola and good evening, Denise!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you. I love that photo of my parents. And I believe that too. I also believe that we are sometimes guided and supported by loved ones who have passed on. I feel my parents around me a lot. One time, about six months after my father passed away, I could actually feel him onstage with me when I was in a play. I could also hear him say, "I'm here with you, Ronnie!"
So glad you can still feel your grandmother around you. It's so comforting, isn't it?
Don't you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Lisa Eldridge? Like you, I no longer follow any other makeup artist because she's got it all. I love her whole demeanor and how she explains things so clear and simple. She, to me, is the BEST! And yes, her new line of lipsticks are fabulous! Her whole makeup line is!
"That red lipstick on her looks stunning! Reminds me of the color women would often wear in the 40s and 50s. CLASSIC red!"
My feelings EXACTLY!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And I'm so glad we met online eons ago and are still connected too. Have a fabulous holiday season!!!!!
Cheers and X
*I just recently watched The Family Stone (last week) and like you, cried my eyes out at the end. It's such a wonderful movie that's a mixture of comedy and drama. And the whole cast is superb!
Oh my god, Ron, of course I remember snow spray and stencils! You and I are from the same generation and those things were holiday traditions. I loved spraying them on, but I hated taking the snow off the windows after being there for almost a month. It was like trying to remove CEMENT. Lol! We had to use newspaper and a bottle of Windex!
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely photographs! The colors are so bright and beautiful. I really love that arrangement in the pot with the pink Christmas balls. Pink is one of my favorite colors. Such a gorgeous arrangement!
The red lipstick Lisa is wearing reminds me of color my mother wore when I was a kid. I couldn't wait until I was old enough to wear red lipstick. I used to try hers on when she and my father would go grocery shopping on Saturday afternoons.
The picture of your mother and father is so sweet. Your mother looks so glamorous. And your father was such handsome man. Love his smile!
Dear man, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Happy New Year! I know you must be busy this time of years. Take care of yourself. xo
Ron, I forgot to mention in my first comment that last Christmas, hubby and I watched 'Noel' for the first time and thought it was such a beautiful story. We both got emotional at the end. And I love that Robin Williams was in it. I miss him so much. We may watch it again this year. Isn't 'Its a Wondeful Life' such a classic? That's another that make me cry.
ReplyDeleteGoooood morning, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteHappy to know that you remember that snow spray and stencils!
" I loved spraying them on, but I hated taking the snow off the windows after being there for almost a month. It was like trying to remove CEMENT. Lol! We had to use newspaper and a bottle of Windex!"
HAHAHAHA! You are sooooooooo right about that! By the time we were ready to remove it from the windows, we needed a hand grenade to get it off the windows! The sunlight would make it stick like GLUE.
I found that pot with the pink Christmas balls directly across the street from where I took the photo of the coffee shop. Isn't it so pretty? It stands in front of a store called, Box Bar, which is a wedding supply store.
Me too! Back in the 50s, that red lipstick color was so popular. It's such a classy color!
Thank you. I had that photograph in a box filled with family photos. I think my brother Tom gave that to me when I went back to Florida, right after my mom had passed away. I love that photo. My mother always reminded me of Grace Kelly.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend! Wishing you, your husband, and family a faaaaaabulous Christmas and New Year!
Cheers and X
Hasn't the colder weather been wonderful? Makes it FEEL like Christmas!
" We both got emotional at the end."
ReplyDeleteOMG, me too! In fact, there were several parts of the movie that did that to me. It was such a wonderful story. I actually purchased that movie on DVD years ago. Isn't the cast great? Both Robin Williams AND Paul Walker are gone. I loved Susan Sarandon in that film!
"It's a Wonderful Life" is SUCH a classic! Makes cry too.
X
Ron, your post (photos and words) made me smile BIG time. The loving memories you have of your parents I found so touching. Like so many others mentioned in their comments, they made such a beautiful couple. Just the way your father is looking are your mother, you can see his joy and love.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy this time of year as well. I just wish it would last longer. The holidays seem to fly by in a flash. I remember those stencils and the snow you could get in a can. And I distinctly remember what it smelled like. I wonder if they still make that stuff. That pic of the two reindeer is so cute!
Merry Christmas, Ron. And Happy New Year too! I can't believe it's going to be 2025!
Merry Christmas, Ron! Awesome photographs! I really like the one of your reflection in the silver Christmas balls. Such a cool shot! And what a stunning Christmas tree display in office building. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteMy family is going to Vermont for Christmas. Can't wait. I hope it snows while we're there!
I love the movie "The Holiday."
Wishing you all the best in the New Year! x
Good morning, Clair!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet words. This is the time of year when I miss my parents because they always made the holidays so special for us. My mother used to work at a department store in Philadelphia that was called, John Wannamaker. It's now a Macy's (boo!). Back when the store was Wannamaker it was so classy. She used to work in the payroll department. The building is not far from where I live, so I like to go inside the store during the Christmas holidays and think of her.
You're right, the holidays seem to fly by so quickly. That's why I cherish them.
"And I distinctly remember what it smelled like."
OMG, as soon as I read that, I immediately recalled that smell!!! It kind of smelled like liquid White-Out.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too. And thank you for stopping by!
Cheers and X
Good morning to you, Barbara!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I discovered that display in an office building as I was walking back from Trader Joe's one day and looked in through the glass doors. Later that day, I came back and took some photos. Isn't that display stunning?
"My family is going to Vermont for Christmas. Can't wait. I hope it snows while we're there!"
OMG, I am sooooooooooooooo jealous! Can I do with you? LOL! I've never been to Vermont, but I had a friend in Florida who had to homes - one in Florida and one in Vermont. She said Vermont was stunning in the fall and winter. I sure hope it snows while you're there.
Don't you love that movie? I actually own in on DVD and will sometimes watch in the summer. Ha! Great story and a great cast!
Thanks for stopping by, and wishing YOU all the best in the New Year too!
Cheers and X
Everything about the photo of your parents is so classy! They are like movie stars. I know you miss them so much, especially, at the holidays. I always think of my father when I wrap gifts because he was so good at it. I did not inherit that gene 🤣
ReplyDeleteWhat fun and festive finds around the city! I’ve always loved blue and silver together, so I adore that first tree. The deer topiaries are great. Our town did one for the first time this year. He’s sitting, reading a paper.
I do remember the spray on snow, though we never had it. My memory of that era were the terrible shiny icicles thrown on the tree. WHY? They never looked good to me, even as a kid!
I remember the excitement of holidays in retail. One of my departments was ‘Trim A Home’ when I was a department store section manager. It was a winter wonderland. But what a nightmare on December 26th, when customers were beating down the doors to get the half off merchandise 😵💫🤣 I was shocked!
Merry Christmas, my dear friend! 🎄XO
" I always think of my father when I wrap gifts because he was so good at it. I did not inherit that gene 🤣"
ReplyDeleteOMG, that is so cute and funny! And in my family, it was the mother who was great at gift wrapping, and my father NOT SO MUCH. Lol! Although I will say that my father was an EXCELLENT cook. His Italian meatballs were amazing!
Even though my father passed in 1993, and my mother in 2012, I still miss them. And especially during the holidays. I miss them, and yet, I can feel them so close to me at this time.
Me too, I LOVE blue and silver together! That tree has been a tradition for the past 3 years, but every year they keep adding more and more decor around the tree. That's one of the areas in Philly that hasn't been vandalized and destroyed. Yet.
" My memory of that era were the terrible shiny icicles thrown on the tree. WHY? They never looked good to me, even as a kid!"
Yes, and I agree with you. It's called tinsel. It's also a mess to clean up after the holidays because it sticks to everything.
I had no idea you were in retail at one time. And wow....a department store section manager!!! And I can only imagine what it was like the day after, when everything went half-off. This year I'll be working the day after Christmas, and I dread dealing with all the RETURNS.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my dear friend! Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a terrific new year! I am so looking forward to seeing what changes take place after Jan 20th. I'm feeling very positive about it.
Cheers and X
I think you knew and just forgot because I've talked about it with you in the past. I worked in a receiving room for a local discount designer clothing chain for 3 years (high school and college) and then my first job out of college was section manager for May Co. Department Stores. I was actually at the mall where Kari grew up, so I like to think that she and I crossed paths in 1985-86!!!
ReplyDeleteHummmm....must have slipped my mind. However, I do know about May Co. because I worked at MACY'S for a very brief time here in Philly and I think they were part of May Co. at one time. I think Blooingdales too.
ReplyDelete"I was actually at the mall where Kari grew up, so I like to think that she and I crossed paths in 1985-86!!!"
That is so cool! Isn't it something how we cross paths with people unknowingly, but then meet up at another time?
Yes, finally some cold weather. Last week drove me nuts with days in the 70s, in DECEMBER! I hope is snows on Christmas Eve.
ReplyDeleteDrove me nuts as well! I actually saw people shopping in my store with SHORTS AND T-SHIRTS on! Today is too warm for me as well. However, tomorrow goes back into the 40s, and then Sunday....29 degrees! Yahooooooo!
ReplyDeleteRon, I love this post -- it's so festive and bubbling over with joy!! Thank you for all those gorgeous holiday decorations. Nothing better to put one in the mood for the celebrations.
ReplyDeleteAnd I love how you, too, feel your late parents' nearness at this time of year. This will be our first Christmas without my mom, but I know she's with Daddy -- and both of them are looking down and smiling.
I count FIVE of your reflections in those silver ornaments! I'm still giggling over those "horsey" clothed tree-things, and I love your memories of the snow spray. Do they even sell that stuff nowadays??
Happy Tuesday, my friend. I'll go back later and check out some of those makeup tutorials. I've never been a red lipstick kind of gal, but maybe I can learn some new techniques. xx
Love the photo of your parents - what a beautiful couple. Loved scrolling through all the pretty Christmas photos, too.
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Melanie!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet and kind words. I feel incredibly blessed having had them as my parents. They complimented each other in so many ways. Together, they formed a balance in raising us.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Wishing you and your loved ones a magical Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Cheers and X
You look so much like your dad! I love that picture of your parents. 🖤
ReplyDeleteYou take such great photos. There are so many beautiful holiday displays in your city. I also love that your building decorates for the holidays.
You and I definitely have the same taste in holiday movies! I’m going to check out Noel—I’ve never heard of it, but I’m excited to have a new movie to watch!
Beautiful post, my friend. 😘❤️
Thank you, Kari!
ReplyDeleteYou know when I was a kid, if I went to a family gathering, the minute I walked in the room people would say, "Ronnie...you're the image of your father!"
Me too, I love that my building decorates for the holidays because whenever I walk through the lobby, I smile!
You will LOVE Noel! It came out in 2004 and the second I watched it, it became one of my favorites. I own it on DVD.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Cheers and X
AWESOME photos, Ron! My girlfriend wanted me to tell you that she thanks for introducing her to makeup artist, Lisa Eldridge. Because as I've shared with you in the past, she's a makeup and skincare junkie! Lol!
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love this time of year? I just wish it would last longer. Christmas is only four days away. It feels like we just celebrated Halloween!
Wishing you Merry Christmas, and the BEST New Year ever, dude!
Hiya, Matt!
ReplyDeleteYour girlfriend is going LOVE Lisa's YouTube channel. She gives such great tips that anyone can use. She does a lot of celebrities makeup for red carpet events and editorial print work. Kate Winslet is one of her regulars.
I know, can you believe how fast Christmas came? I'm hoping we get some SNOW around the holidays. This year I want a snow BLIZZARD. Ha!
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet words about my parents. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your girlfriend!
Cheers and X