Monday, July 16, 2012
'CHRISTMAS' IN JULY............
One of my childhood memories of summer, in addition to family barbeques, picnics at William Land Park, or going swimming at the Clunie, Mangan, or Luther Burbank pools, in South and East Sacramento, was taking in the part in the Southgate Shopping Center's summer promotion called, "Christmas In July". It was a summer sale in the collection of stores located at Florin Road and Franklin Boulevard, which was founded in 1960, the same year as St. Charles Borromeo Parish in the Parkway Estates area of South Sacramento. As I remember is was in the summers of circa 1964-1966, that Christmas In July, was featured at 'Southgate'. My family didn't buy much during the sale, although my mother did perhaps put a few items for Christmas on, "Layaway", at W.T. Grant's, a very good sized, variety, five and dime style, stores along with S.H. Kress', that was located in the Southgate mall, along with the two larger department stores, JC Penney and Rhodes, that were featured there. The intrigue and experience of having the Southgate Shopping Center all decked out with Christmas decorations and with Christmas carols playing in the heart of summer, was a fun diversion for a few hours. I share that memory because of the Hallmark Channel's weekend offering of Christmas Classics, movies they have produced in recent years airing during December, which I have previously blogged about. Unfortunately, their 2007 production, "A Grandpa For Christmas", starring Ernest Borgnine, who died last week was not included; however other favorites of mine were making for enjoyable weekend entertainment. Both of these examples underscore a truth about the meaning of Christmas we speak, but do not always practice. That being the the Spirit of Christmas - Faith, Peace, Family, Goodwill, Forgiveness, Reconciliation, Love, Redemption, should not be limited to a day, a season, or one time of year, but lived everyday in our hearts, minds, works, and responses. So take a few minutes to discern how your life in mid July reflects the light and joy of the Spirit of Christmas, so that "Christmas In July" can be far more than a shopping slogan, and more of an inspiration to be the best persons we can be in our daily interaction and outreach to others............Fr. Troy
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2 comments:
Oh, the memories.... I remember among the backside strip of stores at Southgate there was the record shop with the 45 RPM singles & the 33 RPM LPs. And "Karmel Korn" right at the front main entryway!
INDEED !! I TOO, REMEMBER THEM BOTH, AND HOW DELICIOUS THE KARMEL KORN WAS !! I ALSO REMEMBER IN 1980, LEARNING FROM EJK, THAT J.POOLE BEGAN CELEBRATING SUNDAY MASSES FOR ST. CHARLES' IN THE PEST CONTROL COMPANY BUILDING THAT WAS ON THE EASTERN FRONT SIDE OF THE PROPERTY............THANKS FOR SHARING SOME OF YOUR SOUTHGATE MEMORIES............tdp
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