Notes to (or about) My Dad…
Notes to (or about) My Dad…
Ghosts of Christmas Past
It was my Dad’s Day. After the divorce with holidays divvyed up, for years my five siblings and I spent Christmas Eve with my Dad, and Christmas Day with my Mom. Prepping for their favorite Holiday for six kids (pre-teen and up) could not have been an easy task - separately for either my Dad or Mom, but they each made such a special time for us all.
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My Dad lived in a loft in the city - in Chelsea. He had a small marketing and sales promotion agency, Market Force, located one block away in another loft space. Throughout the year, he would receive samples from companies of goods to use as premium items for his consumer and trade promotion programs. The variety of items was wide and included everything from small electronics, imprinted promotional merchandise, desk accessories, and cooking utensils, to beauty products and fashion accessories, sporting goods, and clothing.
At Christmastime, he and his admin would wrap up all the sample premium items they received throughout the year and he would gift them to us. In his loft, he had a beautiful regulation sized black felt pool table with a black laminate dining top in the center of the room between the open kitchen and living room section. One year, my Dad piled up the presents on it so when we entered the loft, we saw a mound of gifts that made our eyes pop (a scene much like many households on Christmas morning, just a bit different). Unwrapping ridiculous little corporate logo give-away items like Clairol neon sunglasses, A&P mini frisbees, Novartis coffee mugs, AT&T pens & pencils, or Old Navy playing cards, was so much fun and occupied our afternoon.
The loft was tastefully festive with beautifully minimalistic holiday décor and a small Christmas tree. Glass ball ornaments and garland hung from the pool table lights and a large white satin holiday banner draped from a window reading “JOY” in red letters. My Dad catered the afternoon deliciously from one of his favorite Italian places with classic antipasto platters, Tuscan breads and sides. His loft had great windows with an awesome view of the Empire State Building which was lit up for Christmas. Either holiday music or jazz (my Dad was a big Chet Baker fan) was playing in the background and it was all smiles, hugs, and laughter throughout the Day.
Other years, my Dad would also take us around the city to see all the Christmas festivities New York would offer. From Breakfast with Santa and ice skating at Rockefeller Center to viewing the Fifth Avenue department store windows and “Frrrozen Hot Chocolate” at Serendipity, these were the traditions we loved. Now, since my Dad passed away, I spend a few days in the city at Christmastime remembering him and Christmases past. The pandemic has prevented that for me this year and last, so I thank you for indulging me here.
Honestly, my heart aches each Christmas Eve now as I deeply miss my Dad and my family from all those years ago. He loved Christmas and spending it with us. Some years later when my parents became friends again, he would invite my Mom for Christmas Eve, and she would invite him for Christmas Day (along with any current girlfriend). All was right with the world.
Enjoy all the Holidays with your favorite people… the memories keep you smiling!
Thank you for following along - Happiest New Year wishes!
1251 Sixth Avenue
© 2021 Alex Ferrone
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