This photo took me back to the early 1950s, before shopping malls. We lived near downtown Minneapolis. The Christmas season was a highlight of our year. All the stores went all-out, and it was glorious.
Dayton’s and Donaldson’s were the biggest stores. Their window displays were magical to my five-year-old eyes, with lots of sparkle and shine, manger scenes, and Santa.
The decorations above the streets were also magnificent. It was indeed a winter wonderland.
We spent an evening each year, walking for blocks. Throngs of happy people filled the sidewalks.
There was peace in Minneapolis.
I couldn’t find colored photos of Christmas in Minneapolis in the 1950s, but here’s a photo of one of the window displays at Dayton’s Department Store. You can enlarge it to enjoy the details.
Just Writing! 
Thank you for sharing this. The first Christmas I remember took place in Oakland, California, in 1955. I was a little over two and a half years old. It was memorable because my maternal grandparents came all the way from Missouri to visit. They were quite a pair!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, it’s great that you can remember that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The most memorable part was when my grandfather took me to a toy store downtown, and asked me to look at all the toys and tell him which one I liked best. I had never been in a store filled with nothing but toys! I picked out the most beautiful doll, a Horseman Saucy Walker. He told me to stay right where I was, then he took the doll to the sales clerk and had a short, quiet conversation with her. I was so disappointed when he walked away without the doll! But my parents had taught me never to ask for anything, because “only spoiled brats ask”. So I kept my mouth closed.
A couple of days later, the doll was inside a gift wrapped package, under the Christmas tree!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, my! What a wonderful memory, and I hope you treasured that doll for a very long time 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is one of the joys of the season those wonderful displays of lights and displays. Love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person