Day 1273

Today, I decided to check out my herd of Santa Bears while adding the Golden Boys into the mix. Pulling each from their bag, it was fun to revisit the years we would race down to Dayton's to buy that year’s offering for each child. Each bear was rewarded with a smile as it was lifted gently out of hibernation.

My twins, Asher and I actually went downtown to the historic Dayton’s (Macy’s) building for a Christmas Market today and saw many Santa Bears displayed throughout the store. What a walk down Memory Lane!!!!

As a child, I would go with the family down to Dayton's to visit the 8th floor auditorium for their Christmas animatronics show. Dinner on the 12th floor with popovers galore would follow or a trip across the street to the Nankin Restaurant might be the option. Those were such simple, lovely times.

Today, walking into the old store through the Hudson Jewelry portion, I could visualize the elevator attendants, hustle and bustle of countless shoppers and still looked in awe at the gigantic chandeliers. Such an icon of a store! I truly miss the feeling of experiencing a store of such majesty.

Times change, but memories remain. I am so blessed to be able to retrieve these years-gone-by with a clarity fueled by love.