Houston Lifestyles & Homes December 2009
With all of the commercial promotion surrounding the holidays, these days it is
sometimes hard to get into the
real spirit of the season. It seems much effort is placed on who gets what and how
much money is spent, while the main principle of brotherly love is pushed to
the back shelf. However, despite Houston
’s rapid growth, its citizens have always been front and center when it comes
down to helping the less fortunate during this special time of the year.
Through 2008, a local group called Elves & More has handed out more than 90,000 bicycles to needy children whose families
might not have had the means to
make Christmas fun. Another organization, The Goodfellows, started by the Houston Chronicle, has been making Christmas wishes come true for almost a century for those who
have seen hard times.
Historical Houston showed a similar spirit. Back in the 1930s local merchant
Mrs. Baird
’s had Santa and his sleigh greet the children in front of its West Gray bakery.
The wonderful combination of Santa and the smell of fresh bread was a sign for
several generations of Houstonians that Christmas was close at hand.
Even back then, downtown stores had elaborate window displays and street
decorations to herald in the busy shopping season.
A good way to revive that holiday spirit with your family today is by attending
the Heritage Society
’s candlelight tour at Sam Houston Park. The tour offers a historic look at what Christmas was like
in early Houston.
l
Houston puts heart into the holidays
Main Street was decked out for the holidays in 1939. v Santa greets visitors at the Majestic Theater on Rusk, 1930. v Houston Lighting and Power window display touting the brand-new electric
refrigerator, 1932.
v Mrs. Baird’s Bread Santa and reindeer display was a main attraction for Houston children in
the 1940s.
v Elf Santa visits with children in the toy department at Waddell’s House Furnishings, 1928.
Back in the 1930s local
merchant Mrs. Baird’s had Santa and his sleigh greet the children in front of its
West Gray bakery.
Houston Lifestyles and Homes Magazine features
Houston Homes, Upscale Living, Health and Well-Being,
Shopping, and Entertainment in Houston Texas.
Fort Bend Publishing Group 2008
