Plaza Lights

I'm stepping dangerously into Mrs. Blandings territory here, so I'll tread carefully.

On Christmas Eve, eve when I was 8 my family moved to Kansas City. As any 8 yo would, I hated everything about moving, especially so close to Christmas. What fun would all the new Christmas prizes be without friends or family around to play with or show off to. In short I was a jerk.

Amazingly, through a great many late hours my parents pulled off one of the best Christmas's ever. A day after the moving vans left, the tree was up, the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, the favorite holiday ornaments and decorations made it intact. We actually had a marvelous holiday, although I think my parents snuck into bed as the kids were getting up.

Christmas night our parents drove us to see the Christmas lights in our new town. There was the usual smattering of lights here and there, nothing in the manner of today's home lighting displays, but a nice introduction to our new town. Then we got to the Plaza.

The Plaza, for those unfamiliar with KC, is a large shopping area in the middle of town. There is a strong Spanish architechural influence, many fountains and all the best shops. It's been the tony shopping area for nearly 70 years. Its still going strong. Think of it as the first Galleria, and you won't be far off.

Every night from Thanksgiving until early January, the entire Plaza is outlined in Christmas lights. It's stunning, especially in a light snow. To this day I look forward to seeing the Plaza lights. I don't make it every year, but I do try.

My KC shopping trip this year is this coming Saturday and Sunday. I'm like a little kid on Christmas eve, it brings back so many emotions.

Over the years I have lived in Kansas City twice. I have come to love the city. KC has it all, and is one of the hidden jewels of America.



Toad