My fondest memories of Thanksgiving are of having the traditional turkey lunch. We would visit with an aunt who always saved the wishbone for me. Whoever got the longer part of the wishbone had good luck for a year.

Our family would then drive downtown to see the Christmas decorations in the department store windows. Famous-Barr in downtown St. Louis had as many as 22 decorated windows. We loved the operating Lionel train sets and seeing life-like teddy bears, dolls and marching toy soldiers along with Santa and his elves. The windows were brilliantly lit and music played as snowflakes often fell in the streets. Thanksgiving was usually a cold day but filled with wonderful memories.

After the downtown visit, we returned to Grandma’s house and had hot chocolate and pumpkin pie. Some family members also had a turkey sandwich. We then invited everyone for Christmas lunch.

Mom and I always went downtown the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas shop. The stores opened at 9:00 and were crowded with shoppers. Having lunch in the Famous-Barr Tea Room was a real treat. French onion soup was our favorite!

Written by Noel Merkel

Chessie & Nestor Go Antiquing on Ruby Lane