to gawk, shop, cackle, and dream,

Back then we weren’t afraid

to laugh, shriek, and be amazed,

Storefront windows overstuffed

with dolls, dollhouses, train sets, and toy soldiers,

How could we not believe in magic–

things we can’t explain, and yet love,

Best at night when all was aglow,

but Saturday mornings were quite alright,

Stone and Thomas, LS Good, Cooey-Benz,

Stifel and Taylor, Reichart’s, and so many more,

We were there, saw it with our own believing eyes,

and best of all felt it deep in our hearts,

Santa reminds us it’s okay to dream,

look back, remember where we came from,

and what gave our hearts delight,

May this Christmas be filled

with our cherished childhood dreams.