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Lucy Gilbert (Rhoda)
Merry Christmas, everyone! Like other classmates, I am sad to hear about Doug. Yet, with all of his suffering, I am sure he, like my husband, David, is free of pain and at peace. My condolences to Doug's family and friends.
While on the subject of longevity of family members, I have to bring up my parents, as we are in the spirit of the holiday season. The period from Thanksgiving to post-New Year's is a favorite time in our entire family, especially while growing up in Cheltenham. We celebrated Channukah and Christmas. So, by writing in my journal of holidays past, I wish to share with you, some of my thoughts of holidays of those days.
It always started at Thanksgiving time. My father was the PR Director for Gimbels. One of his favorite jobs was organizing and running the Gimbels Parade (and did this for over 20 years). Many years later, after his 90th birthday, he was honored at the parade as one of the oldest surviving members of the 20-30's Thanksgiving Parade crew in 1997. Sadly, he died a year later of an infection. Until then, like my mother, he was "all there"! My mother would still have been alive at 91 and lived until much longer, if it hasn't been a botched minor procedure at Graduate Hospital in 2005. What happened to Joan Rivers, brought back to me my mother. No one should ever have to live through that. Both of my parents lived in their Rittenhouse Square apartment until they died. I have older relatives still living over 100 !! One aunt still goes to the Las Vegas casinos 3 times a week and plays the slots all day! Plays cards everynight.
Getting back to the holiday season. My father and mother introduced to us the spirit of Christmas, as an American family holiday. At the same time, my parents kept the importance of Channukah, as our faith's religious and joyous holiday. My father always brought home the leftovers from all the Gimbels' holidays decorations and food. They would say: What to do, what to do? Dad and Mom decided to celebrate with a decorated tree and gifts. Then they started a family tradition before I was born. by having a Gilberts' open house party on Christmas Eve, (and later, added, New Year's Eve). It continued into the next day with a grand gathering for dinner and exchanges of gifts. What a grand affair it was for over the 25 years I lived in Cheltenham, and later in Society Hill. Once they moved to Rittenhouse Square, David and I took over and continued the tradition back in Cheltenham and later in Bucks County. Now it has gone to the next generation.
We celebrated with family & friends, always relishing the memories of being together. This year, will be a tough one, as we added David to the list of memories to recall. He was in charge of the tree, house decorations, and the Turkey with stuffing. Oh, mustn't forget his bartending role!! My father taught him how to make the best eggnog. Sadly, he won't be doing that anymore. And, I now must hunt for the recipe in one of our family cookbooks. Not for this year, but for future winter holiday celebrations.
I know, I know.... enough!! Wish I was as clever and short like Elaine, but I do not have that talent!
However, I do want to wish all my classmates and families, again ....
A HAPPY and HEALTHY HOLIDAY. Best wishes for a wonderful 2015.
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