(Note: Parts of this Christmas story were originally printed in a 2002 issue of the Times/News.)

Who forgets childhood Christmas memories?

Not me. The thrill of colorful lights in downtown Seattle when our family-- Mom, Dad, Grandma, five kids (and the dog) piled into a well-used Oldsmobile sedan to cruise by downtown store windows. Wide-eyed we looked at “The Bon” windows that seemed a land of make-believe. For Depression kids it was unreal.

Seattle’s Bon Marche’s (now Macy’s) famous roof-top Christmas Star was sparkling and huge store windows were decorated with dolls, trains, bikes, night robes, slippers and gifts galore. We kids were very sure none of that would ever be at our Christmas tree. Money was scarce in the Depression era for anything but essentials such as beans, potatoes, oatmeal, milk, homemade biscuits and clothing.

All else was wishful thinking of a kid’s fantasy, except for seeing Santa in the store’s big corner window and standing in line to tell him what we want for Christmas.

Our parents made it very clear that presents from Santa required very good behavior for the whole year. “Is it too late to start now,” we kids whispered among each other? “Nah,” we agreed and put on our best behavior instantly. What a fun memory, one that lingers with life’s tastes of fine wine.

The city of Des Moines’ downtown outside holiday decorating has historically been sporadic. In the early 1900’s a Christmas tree was placed at 223rd Ave. S. and Marine View Drive. In 1958, Des Moines Jaycees created and hung-up the first street decorations and later built a Santa House kids enjoyed for years. The one reliable, constant, tradition was beautiful window displays at Mary Benson’s Apparel, and for years there was little else.

It was 1980 when I volunteered to secure and set up a permanent “Town Christmas Tree” project in the downtown area. A man, who still holds a very special place in my heart, helped install and decorate the tree at the chosen triangle near Des Moines Vision Center.

Pulling this project together became a work of mutual cooperation; Permission from Dr. Siemon to use his property, free electricity from Puget Power, (now Puget Sound Energy) blessings of city fathers and a tree donated by a local Christmas tree dealer. Decorating the tree was a different story that included both frustration and fulfillment.

Perched on not-too-steady ladders, our small crew of two wrestled with donated long strings of seldom-used tangled lights. Brisk cold weather blessed with moments of sunshine served up blasts of wind shaking our creaky ladders. “Hang on,” my friend hollered.

While we draped lights on the tree, folks driving by honked their car horns in approval and waved. It felt like cheerleaders for a small homerun of tree of lights!

Crowning the top with a Star, we took a look and declared “Fantastic!” Many helping hands made this tree possible and the honking car horns set approval. Much thanks goes to City Council and Parks Department.

The best friend-helper was my husband, Gordy, who 10 years later passed away suddenly December 1990-- only 5 days before Christmas.

It’s those memories of creaking ladders, love for community and each other that bring smiles thirty-one years later seeing a “Town Christmas Tree” tradition remains.

Some say lighting outside trees and buildings is insignificant. Yet, is it?

A quote of Joseph Anderson reads, “There is nothing that solidifies and strengthens a nation like reading the nation’s history, whether recorded in books or embodied in customs, institutions and monuments.”

Yes, kids never forget Christmas, and we as parents guide them to the meaning of this holiday by our actions and caring.

Meantime, a car ride around town and neighborhoods admiring the terrific lighting displays is well worth the trip -- even with five kids and a dog in the car. (Grandma was our backseat referee.)

Be it myth or fact that Santa exists, some closing words from Clement Clarke Moore’s ballad bring smiles, “’Twas the night before Christmas”

“He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all and to all a Good Night.”

Today’s Thought: “Of course American’s trust in God – you can tell by the way they drive!”