R4VI's Blog

In my dad’s store, the toy department was in the basement of a steel building. There was a big lighted sign inside the front door that said”TOYLAND DOWNSTAIRS” with a big arrow. You would be amazed at how many people wandered to the back and asked,”Where are the toys?” Years ago, toys weren’t so popular year-around. Christmas was the big time, and the occasional birthday. I got to specialize in working in the Toy Department because I was out of school over Christmas. It was great fun, but my feet never hurt so badly than after twelve hours on a concrete floor with only tile as a cushion. Dad and I had wrapping contests to see who could tear the paper off the big roll closest to the size needed but not coming out short. Dad almost always won. He had the eye of a carpenter. Everyone was in a holiday mood. In those days before credit cards were common, you could see the results of the day’s work in the till; it was very tangible. That felt good when I was in a liberal arts college, studying some esoteric subjects, wondering if I was doing the right thing. Working for a couple weeks in that metal buildings that housed our livelihood made me feel valuable and like I had earned a place in the family. We were very ready for a break when Christmas Day came.