We received this note from a Claycordian last year, and posted it. It still rings true, unfortunately, so we decided to post it again:
Watching a YouTube video from Retail Archelogy last night reminded me of the days when most of our local strip malls would have great displays.
The Vineyard on Clayton Rd. would have the trees on top of the buildings all lit up, McCaulou’s would always have great window displays, most shopping centers would have decorations lit up on their parking lot lights. IIRC Clayton Valley and Encina Shopping Centers would have lights hanging from their roof lines.
I can’t really think of any shopping centers that decorate like that anymore locally, always was a treat as a kid when you were out at night and see all those lights on.
It sure was a treat.
You’re right, most shopping centers don’t go “all out” like they did in the past.
You’re right – too bad …..always added to the holiday spirit…. guess it contributes to the bah humbug attitude sp prevalent now days
MAGA is working on that. Give it time, everyone started saying Merry Christmas again. If the city can put up rainbow flags, they can do Christmas decorations
True!
forget about decorating! They don’t even want to make improvements.
I flew to Salt Lake City yesterday to take my family to lunch. Have never seen an airport so decorated. EVERY set of escalators had long lines of Christmas balls between them. There were wreaths and nutcracker soldiers everywhere
Have you ever seen the Mormon Tabernacle Choir? If not, then the next time you’re in Salt Lake City, have your family get tickets and go see them. The tickets are free, and they should be ordered well in advance. I saw them the last time I was in Salt Lake and was blown away by their performance. The choir is made up of 360 singers. There are 81 tenors, 91 sopranos, 93 bases, and 95 altos. And the orchestra has 110 extremely talented musicians.
On our last Western Road trip, we stopped in Salt Lake City. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir wasn’t available, but we got to see their practice facility. And I also got to spend time in their Genealogy Library.
Love it! not is this state 🙁 sadly
They probably can’t afford it anymore, thanks to all the online shoppers.
Ones with empty stores, in them can’t afford to decorate.
the weather is extreme these days. The UV light quickly fades the materials. I’m pretty sure the grinch crowds love to steal the decorations faster than can be put up.
To me those are memories of happier and simpler times. I feel for the brick and mortars, but most have online ordering options. Nothing wrong with enjoying shopping from the comfort of your own nicely decorated home and going click, click, click. I would venture to say that it is most likely safer, as well.