Memories of Binghamton Christmas past include bowling, movies and meals

It’s Dec. 25! Christmas – that time of year when the old man with the jolly belly and a mighty Ho, Ho, Ho takes his magical sleigh and eight tiny reindeer from house to house to deliver gifts. It also represents the birth of Jesus Christ and his message of peace and God’s love. Somewhere in between probably lies the range of many people during this time of year.

Of course, there are many others who will be celebrating Hanukah and Kwanza during the December period. In nearly all of these instances, families will be gathering, taking part in their family customs −putting up the tree, singing Christmas carols, opening presents, enjoying a Christmas dinner, attending the church of their choice, and bowling.

Wait, did you say bowling? Actually, I wrote bowling because it was one of the places actually open on Christmas Day for families to come in from the cold and enjoy throwing a ball down the lane to knock over some pins (or in my case, watch it go into the gutter). It was and, often, still is one of the businesses that have stayed open on the holiday to provide a place for people to gather and enjoy some fun.

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Aside from the Norman Rockwell moments in many families – and believe me, those are very important to creating a healthy family environment – there are those who must miss the day to work. One of the most popular things for families to do on Christmas Day, after the gift exchanges and watching sports on the television, is to pack up the kids and head to a movie theater.

This is nothing new. Ads from the 1960s show that many movies opened on Christmas Day. A close friend of mine was a movie theater manager for many years and always had to work on Christmas Day. His staff also had to work that day – which was one of their busiest for the entire year. Most of the customers that day never gave a thought that those workers had to give up their holiday to be there to wait on the moviegoers, or the bowlers.

That same problem held true for some restaurant workers. Some eateries did close on Christmas Day, but others stayed open to provide a place for those who may not have that place to gather with family and friends. One of the places open in the early 1960s was the Arlington Hotel to provide a classy place for a holiday meal. The other end of the eating spectrum was a strip club with exotic dancers, which was also open and serving food. To each their own.

Also realize that on that major holiday, workers at the local hospitals also have to be on duty. People get sick or were already sick and need attention. That same holds true for law enforcement and fire protection. So, police and fire did not and do not often get that day off from work. Someone must be in those establishments and ready for any level of emergency and need.

I wish I had a solution to this problem as all of those workers also deserve time with their loved ones and friends.  Some are paid at a higher rate, while others are not. In these times of greater stress and high expectations, it seems people need to get away from “real life.” This only adds to the dilemma – we don’t want to stay home and deal with family issues and these other places provide that release.  Yet, other people must be there to wait on us. What is the answer?

I’m not sure there is one, but for me, I hark to more Norman Rockwell moments. Too many families have a hard time coming together – we are spread across the country. I miss seeing my grandparents and parents on this day – but I relish the time with my wife and daughters and friends. The use of Zoom and Facetime and similar programs has now allowed us to communicate with those far away.

On this Christmas day, take the time to thank those who are working, and hold tight whatever in this season brings out the best in us.

Gerald Smith is a former Broome County historian. Email him at historysmiths@stny.rr.com.

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton history includes memorable Christmas bowling, movies, meals