Newspaper article Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (Pittsburgh, PA)
Scarves, Ties and Boxes of Candy 1942
Article excerpt
It was a lean Christmas. Uncle Bob
had gone to serve in World War II.
Dad's business was slow. Brad and I
were past believing in Santa Claus,
but still hopeful. Mom wrapped up gifts
as usual, but packages we sent that year
were all the same - bought at discount -
like the candy left when Dad's friend
had to close his candy store.
Dad had a worried look about him.
Mom was cheerful and busy as always
doling out those gifts: a box of candy
for each family; ties for grandfathers
and red scarves for grandmothers;
the same for aunts and uncles.The tree
was smaller than before. Not all its lights
were working, but still we had enough
to eat. …