It was an elaborate dinner/dance that took place at the Oglebay Park lodge. I remember the setting being like something out of a storybook. The event predated the resort’s famous Festival of Lights by 20 years, but the indoor scene was an ideal forerunner. It was a real winter wonderland. My dad and his three girls – my mom, sister and I – dressed all fancy for the occasion. Once we were there, Dad would take my mom a whirl on the dance floor, then his littlest dates both got a turn. It was all very magical. At some point in the evening, all the kids were rounded up to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus, who had obviously just whisked in from the North Pole. Their cheeks were rosy and cold to the touch. And surely no place but Santa’s workshop – the real one – could produce the ultra cool toys that the couple gifted each year at that event. On one particular occasion, Santa's sack was filled with little Weimer trucks, diecast miniature replicas of the ones that many of our daddies drove. I can still remember how I felt. All was right with the world.

 

The truck not only reminds me of that magical night - and others like it - but of the days when Dad drove his route, delivering meat to retailers - including many mom and pop stores. He always brought us home little treats - from trinkets we would find in his black lunch box to live box turtles he would find along the road. 

 

My early childhood featured many magical moments. When I think of Christmas, I remember my parents playing Bing Crosby and Elvis music on their console record player. Once the needle hit the vinyl, those festive tunes were heard all over the house. Each year,they made sure everything was just right. The tree was covered in large colorful string lights and those cool bubble lights. Leading up to the big day, we would visit the Jolly Old Elf at various Wheeling stores. I especially remember his annual stop at the furniture company, Cooey Bentz. Those makeshift Santa workshops were decorated to the hilt. I’m talking the kind of scene Buddy the Elf can create at Macy’s - paper snowflakes, twinkling lights and all. I remember standing in line, excited to tell Santa what was on my wish list and to get a small toy or piece of candy from his bag.I remember getting Tiddlywinks one year. He always delivered. On Christmas morning, Janet and I would wake up to find an amazing display of toys.To this day, I can remember what all those Barbies - car and white storage case, complete with tiny hangers - looked like and how excited I was to see it all. 

 

My mom was always - and still is - a great seamstress. She made us beautiful little Christmas dresses - and even clothes for our dolls. I also remember her crafting a giant snowman of cotton batting for our front porch, which was also always adorned with lights. 

 

I'm glad Garrett took a liking to my vintage truck. As he pushed it around the floor, my own wheels turned, delivering memories that have gone the distance. 

 

Merry Christmas to all!