(Editor’s note: “What’s on Your Mind?” is a weekly series where we ask members of our local community to share what has been occupying their thoughts as of late. Its aim is to provide insight into the lives of others and spur discussions about issues affecting us all.)
As the holidays approach it is natural to reminisce about the past. Many people will drift back to a simpler time, when they were children and the world didn’t seem to be quite so complex.
For this week’s edition of “What’s on Your Mind?” The Era asked several locals to share their favorite holiday traditions and memories. Many people were happy to oblige.
Patty Price is excited for Santa to come visit her this year — she promised that she has been very good.
“I like to open presents and have dinner with my family,” Price said. One of her most-loved holiday traditions is to leave cookies and other snacks for the big man, as well as carrots and apples for his reindeer.
“Every year I write a letter to Santa and he writes me back,” said Price.
Tycia Brathwaite is also on the look out for Big Red.
“I like when Santa comes,” Brathwaite said. “I like my family to open presents together.”
Many community members recalled a time when the winters were more severe and it was more common for children to play outside.
Jim Cranmer grew up on Maplewood Avenue as one of five siblings.
“It was crazy,” Cranmer said. “We would get up early before the sun rose and come down to look at the presents, then we would go wake our parents up.”
As a child, he and his siblings loved sledding and playing out in the snow.
“It doesn’t snow like that anymore but I still remember those days fondly,” Cranmer said.
Steve Cavallaro also got a lot of joy out of sled riding as a child.
“Back in the day when we had a lot more snow the kids would all get new sleds or hockey sticks for Christmas,” said Cavallaro. “We would all go outside and play for hours — there was none of the hustle and bustle of running around to be everywhere.”
For Sue Langianese, the best holiday moments are the ones made with loved ones.
“I just remember having my whole family together and that joy that comes with that,” said Langlanese.
Connie Mack feels a similar way.
“I love the family all coming together as a unit to celebrate — sitting down and having that nice dinner and enjoying everyone’s company,” Mack said. “We don’t get to do that very often, so it makes the time together really special.”
Anthony Gonzalez and Hailee Haynes are also looking forward to spending quality time with friends and loved ones.
“It is a nice time to hang around with family and friends that you do have with you,” said Gonzalez. “But it is also important to remember those who you have lost.”
Haynes is most looking forward to celebrating New Year’s Eve.
“I like New Year’s when everyone comes around to see the ball drop,” said Haynes.
She especially enjoys all the festivities available during First Night Bradford, which will be covered in an upcoming edition of The Era.
