Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Christmastime always reminds me of Cleveland. I get lost in the memories of decorating the Christmas tree, watching my mom bake her famous pound cake and spritz cookies, and going to grandma’s house to visit with family and have the best meal of the year. I always looked forward to playing with my new Barbies and seeing all of the clothes and shoes my bestie received. We threw on our new winter hats, coats, boots, and gloves to play with our friends in the snow. Riding the new bike would have to wait until the snow went away. I loved seeing the holiday lights on Public Square or at Nela Park. Then, I moved from Barbies to boom boxes. We shopped ‘til we dropped at Randall Park Mall both before and after Christmas. Later, we would go out skating on Christmas evening or to the movies. Those were good times! Now, my family and I have our own traditions at Christmas and I speak with my Cleveland friends and family by phone, Facetime or text message. I hope that your memories of growing up in Cleveland at Christmastime are as fond as mine, or that you are making new traditions that bring you joy. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Erica