Christmas in Rochester

When I think of Christmas in Rochester NY, I think of my childhood. Now, I stand the risk of aging my “youthful-self” in your eyes but here goes.

Way back in the 1960’s, (yes… that long ago) Christmas in Rochester was truly a family affair. Parents would plan whole Saturdays around downtown Rochester. I remember that we would make a daytrip to Midtown Plaza one time each holiday season to see the beautiful decorations and, if the lines weren’t too long, ride the monorail.

The monorail was a kid-sized aerial choo-choo train that took its tiny riders all around the concourse of that grand downtown mall. Everything was indoors. The focal point was a huge clock with moving parts. It had “round the world” scenes inside these decorative pods. People would stand there when the top of the hour or half-hour were near. That is when the show would begin. As little kids, I remember being so excited while it was happening and sad when it ended and we had to go.

Clock of the Nations and the monorail at Midtown Plaza in the “old days” Rochester NY –

image courtesy of Rochester City Hall Photo Lab

In addition to Midtown Plaza, families would go to Sibley’s -a multi-floor department store across the street from Midtown Plaza, (named after a prominent Rochester family – the Sibleys) to see their Toyland Christmas display. They created an experience which their visitors would walk through. (In those days, Disney would have been proud to call that little exhibit their own. It was that well done!) It featured a string of holiday scenes inside display windows complete with lighting, props, sweet holiday music and even moving parts.

Sibley’s Magic Corridor Toyland Experience

Some families visited their Toyland and Magic Corridor holiday experience over and over again each year. I miss that. Actually, I miss Sibley’s. In fact, I miss SHOPPING! Things have changed so much, haven’t they?

The other annual trip we made during holiday season was a special time for just mom and me. We dressed up for that trip. Really. Mom made it so special. She would were a pretty suit with her dress coat, hat, high heels (or boots if there was snow) and white dress gloves. She picked out a party dress for me to wear along with a dress coat, paten leather shoes and dress gloves, too.

Our primary target was Sibley’s, this time with shopping in mind. We were buying for others but Mom always made sure that I had something to bring home for me. Of course, we’d get a special surprise for my dad and brother, too. (Like a can of Mackintosh’s assorted candies – a wonderful chocolate-memory, now.)

It is a shame that holiday shopping experiences have been all but lost. The sights and sounds of the holiday season are few and far between, compared to the good old days, don’t you think? Can they be recaptured if we put our minds to it? It’s worth a try.

Above all, let’s not forget the REAL reason for the season, Jesus!

Merry Christmas!