Christopher Lee Grant
Casa Loma, Toronto
Christmas 1964
As a young urchin growing up in 1960s Toronto. Christmas Eve started in Simpsons’ parking
garage and rode the elevator down at the Queen Street location. The doors opened all the busy shoppers
marched back and forth in front you, blocking your way to your intended
destination. The windows. At Queen and Yonge Streets, Simpsons’, Woolworth’s
and Eaton’s Stores had what seemed like dozens of windows featuring moving
things and sparkly displays of Christmas Time themes. Then off to the Woolworth’s counter for hot
chocolate before skating at Nathan Phillips Square. With frozen feet the trip to Casa Loma for
light displays and pictures with Santa soon warmed them up inside your boots. Upon returning home you couldn’t wait to tune
in to CHCH TV eleven for Bill Lawrence’s “Santa Update” as his progress was
tracked from the North Pole to the roof of your house . AT some point you went to bed and woke up to
Eaton’s and Simpsons’ window’s …. right in your living room.
Christopher Lee Grant
