Thanksgiving is over and now it’s time to get ready for the Christmas holidays. Of course, the stores have been getting ready for them earlier and earlier each year and this has not that much to do with the recession although some of it has. There was time when there were no Christmas decorations, card or even thoughts in folks minds at what to get for who until the official day came (I am talking about the Macy’s Christmas Parade in New York City.) That was when Santas showed up in stores to learn what the children wanted for Christmas and we only had a few weeks for the tension to build up for the “Big Day.” Now we hear Season’s Greetings and Holiday greetings and sometimes I do think that only us old folks with memories still think of the Christmas season. It was more exciting in the old days!

The Garden City Historical Society has arranged to bring back an old tradition - the Evening Walking Tour of Historical Houses. This was a delightful way to get to see some of these houses all decked out for Christmas and I highly recommend it for you today. The Tour will take place on Thursday, December 3rd and will start at the Historical Society’s Museum House (a place of beauty in itself) and will return there following the Tour for a Yuletide Reception. Tickets are $30 for Members of the Historical Society and only $35 for non-members. It is a walking tour so wear comfortable shoes along with climate dictated clothes and a flashlight. Sorry, no children under the age of 12 and no cameras. Send your check to Jill Meyer at 87 Magnolia Avenue, Garden City, N.Y. 11530. Checks are to be made payable to the Garden City Historical Society and you can join in the fun. It’s late I know, but well worth going to.

We have so many Bridge players in this town I think you can buy some pretty sets of cards with a score pad as a gift for just abut everyone on your Bridge playing list. Speaking of the game, the folks at the Garden City Casino played their monthly game of Bridge following a lovely sandwich luncheon recently and the Small Slams were being made right and left. Among those enjoying the afternoon (no Slams among them) were Jane Krull , Blanche Miller, Ruth LaBosco, Florence Beach, Ada Kane, Kris Harder, Barbara Flanagan and Carol Efthimiou . It was a lovely day and all are looking forward to their Christmas game on December 15th.

The very next day the folks at the Cherry Valley Club held their Dinner/Bridge and there were twenty-four tables in play following the delicious Buffet dinner. The first Small Slam of the evening was brought in by Michele Weisberg and Vincent recently in 6 No Trump. No Grand Slam was made but the winner of the two door Prizes were Marian Burach and Dorothy Schlageter . Among those enjoying the evening were B renda Wydler, Kris and Frank Harder, Janet and George Salem, Miriam and Dick Benack and Dian and Dick Kendrick.

Not to be out done, many that were at Cherry Valley the night before, were seen playing at the Ladies/Luncheon/Bridge at the Garden City Country Club the very next day. There were twenty-six tables in ploy following lunch and the first Small Slam was brought in by Joy Dogan and Jane Krull in 6 clubs. Again no Grand Slam was made and the Door Prize was won by Carol Dangan . The Bridge Chairlady, Muriel Urban announced that the next Bridge would be held on Thursday, December 3rd.

Happy Birthday wishes go to Gail Vitale who will be celebrating her special day on November 27th and to Gert Perrini who will do the same on November 30th. Maureen Fraser will get a jump start in December as the 3rd is her Birthday. May all the lovely ladies have a wonderful day and a year filled with good health and much happiness with many more years to come.

Now as we get ready for Christmas and the Winter season I have a few news items that I thought you would like to know. Pumpkins also come in white, blue and green. True! Tootsie Rolls were the first wrapped “Penny Candy” in America over 100 years ago. Penny candy? When was the last time you saw that price? And here is one to astound your kids and Grandkids with. The Word Television (just a concept at this point) was first used at the 1900 Paris Exhibition. Now you too can astound your kids and Grandkids. Have a good one and see you next week.