Memories live on: Carole Longo, a former Bradford resident who currently lives in New Hope, shared a holiday memory with RTS readers.
A PERFECT WHITE CHRISTMAS
“Years ago, and throughout his life my Dad was truly infected with a contagious Christmas Spirit. He generously gave gifts and rejoiced in the birth of his Savior.
At 45 E. Main Street in Bradford he was a decorating maniac -the glitzier the better! Dad loved blinking stars, marching soldiers, and singing chipmunks. Rudolph’s red nose was flashing and bells jingling on all the doorknobs.
Our Nativity scene displayed 12 sheep with fur, 11 shepherds, 10 camels, four Wiseman, two drummer boys and a kneeling Santa Claus.
An angel dressed in a white satin gown lifted her magic wand towards Heaven and reined majestically on top of the tree.
After Dad plugged in the lights, pulled the switches and wound up all the music boxes the inside and outside of our apartment performed Swan Lake, the Alleluia Chorus and the Nutcracker Suite simultaneously.
When I was six, Dad surprised his family with a perfect gift. On Christmas Eve during a blizzard with zero visibility Dad came home from work late. Mom loved Dad but she yelled when she was worried so I heard: ‘Where is your father? Dinner is getting cold. Carole, go out on the porch and check.’
‘Ho! Ho! Ho!’ Dad chanted while jingling the bells on the front door. ‘Carole tell him to shake off the snow.’ Mom ordered. ‘I don’t want water tracked up here.’ Dad stomped his feet, removed his hat, gloves and coat then dragged a heavy bundle up the steps. ‘Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!’ he joyfully sang with a big Cheshire smile on his face. Dad plopped the bundle upright then cut the rope.
Ohh, it was the first time I ever saw a totally white Christmas tree! How beautiful and perfect!
Dad primed and painted cars by hand all day in a cold, cement bay at the Star Garage. After work, he sprayed the tree white and then waited until the paint dried.
Our tree was the talk of the town! Dad died several years ago, but the memory of his perfect Christmas gift is still alive.”
