City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, as everyone is getting their last-minute Christmas and Hanukkah gifts shopping done.
We are now down to the final 18 days until Christmas, so if you didn’t buy your five golden rings or a partridge in a pear tree, you’d better hurry. Soon enough, you won’t be able to buy anything online to ship.
Of course, there are plenty of homegrown establishments to shop at, and it’s actually a good thing to do before you head to the big box stores. The buy local campaign kicked in during Small Business Saturday, two days after Thanksgiving.
I sure miss the days when the Wyoming Valley Mall was the place to shop. Thousands of people scurrying around the hallway, shuffling off from store to store with either something in mind to buy or just wandering about looking for ideas for Aunt Sue and Uncle Bill.
I loved the center court at the mall when it was all done up in a winter wonderland, including a special spot for the kids to visit with Santa Claus.
I can recall one Christmas season, I was walking past the center of the mall, and there were little houses dotted about, and they were bigger than a doghouse, but I guess they depicted a barn with a deer’s head sticking out.
The deer’s mouth would move as it spoke, but I didn’t know was, someone was inside the little hut working the deer’s head and mouth. As I walked by one, the deer called me out by my name. Let’s say I was a bit freaked out at that point.
It was not only crazy that a fake deer was talking to me, but I spoke back.
To this day, I still don’t know who it was that called out my name. Nobody has ever spoken up telling me who he or she was talking to me. I racked my brain trying to figure out who it could be, always coming up with zeroes.
I speculated on one person because the voice sounded somewhat like one of my school classmates, but never had the chance to ask her. The poor soul has passed away, so I’ll never get that chance.
As I write this, I am wondering if they still do that. Last time I was at the mall, you could run in circles at the center because of its vast emptiness.
I never realized how big that spot really is until I saw it completely empty.
All the stores were all done up in Christmas decorations, and it was just so festive. Kids today have no idea what the mall was like back then. The hustle and bustle was crazy, and it was always on the verge of madness.
Part of shopping at the Wyoming Valley Mall was running into so many friends and family doing the exact same thing. I think have the time was spent shopping and the other were spent stopping and talking to those you bumped into.
There were so many stores to shop at; it was insane if you couldn’t find that special gift.
The big anchor stores, Sears, JC Penny, Bon Ton, and Macy’s were usually the first stop before meandering to all the hallway stores.
Let’s not forget the kiosk stores in the center of the hallway. There were a ton of them. You could usually find odd niche gifts at those spots, you know, like large framed pictures printed on velvet of deer or waterfalls.
When all else failed, I would jaunt into Spencer’s Gifts, which is still there today. I wish I knew their business model. They have survived all these years without closing seems crazy to me. Anyway, Spencer’s always has those one-of-a-kind gifts you could find when pressed.
Gone are those days, and again, if you didn’t grow up at that time, you’ve missed a lot. I fear for the future of the Wyoming Valley Mall.
I hear in some parts of the country, malls are making a bit of a comeback. The theory behind that is, people are getting a bit tired of ordering online, at least for clothing. The notion is, it’s better to touch and feel the product you are purchasing as well as trying it on then getting it by delivery, trying it on and not liking the fit or color. It makes sense.
This past week was a lot of fun for me. I had the honor of photographing the official Luzerne County Courthouse Christmas tree lighting. That was a first for me, and everyone did a great job, like the MMI school chorus, the Hazleton Area chorus, and Bret Alexander of The Badlees.
Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo served as MC for the event.
The City of Pittston held the annual Shop with a Cop, Christmas Market, Toy Truck Parade, and, of course, the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Jaxon Smith, an 11-year-old from Pittston, was chosen as the 2025 Christmas Ambassador and did the honors of lighting the tree. It was his first time attending La Festa Di Natale downtown.
It was a cold night, but that didn’t stop residents and beyond from attending.
Pittston Mayor Michael Lombardo was very busy the week before, preparing the hot chocolate maker to ensure a hot treat during the evening.
Yes, Christmas is 18 days away.
Quote of the week
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” —Norman Vincent Peale
Thought of the week
“Christmas is a day of meaning and traditions, a special day spent in the warm circle of family and friends.” —Margaret Thacher
Bumper sticker
“Christmas, my child, is love in action.” —Dale Evans
