A Special Christmas Story for our Readers

Christmas Memories That Still Shine Bright

Christmas is a little bit of everything. When we are children, it’s all about the magic—receiving presents from a mysterious, white-bearded fellow who somehow slides down our chimney and leaves gifts beneath the tree. As we grow older, especially for Christians, Christmas becomes about the birth of Jesus, about family, sharing, giving, and of course—food. Lots and lots of food.

Then come the years when we become parents and grandparents. Suddenly, the greatest joy of Christmas is no longer what’s under our tree, but the expressions on the faces of our loved ones as they open their gifts. Whether you’re shopping for presents, buying groceries, dining out, or simply driving through town, there’s no mistaking the season—Christmas is everywhere.

At any other time of year, busy stores mean people shopping for a hundred different reasons. But during the Christmas season, everyone seems to be shopping for the same reason: to bring joy to someone else. You walk into a store and are greeted by twinkling decorations and familiar holiday music. That music matters—it awakens memories of Christmases past. In an instant, a song can take you from an excited child diving under the tree to cherished moments spent with loved ones who may no longer be with us. And who knows? Hearing Dean Martin sing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer might just inspire you to toss an extra pair of socks into the cart for Uncle Joe.

Of course, it wouldn’t be fair to talk about Christmas without acknowledging that not everyone loves the season. Yes, there are Scrooges among us—those who dread crowded stores, gift-buying pressure, or the expense of it all. But we’ll leave them aside and focus instead on the photographs, traditions, and memories. After all, Christmas is meant to be filled with happy thoughts.

Some readers may wonder about the significance of old General Electric advertisements featured this time of year. Those ads are special to our area. If you look closely at the fine print, you’ll see that many of those products were manufactured right here in Utica, New York. Back in the day, GE opened its factories during the Christmas season so employees could purchase gifts at discounted prices.

The company operated several facilities locally, including the one on French Road, which became famous for its beautiful Christmas displays. Employees even volunteered their time to help set them up, including a life-sized nativity scene. Long before seatbelt laws, families would pile into cars solely to see Christmas lights—and General Electric on French Road was one of the must-see stops.

No tour of local Christmas magic would be complete without a visit to Trinkaus Manor. The grounds were nothing short of magical, leaving visitors in awe. The tradition began in the mid-1950s, after brothers Andy, Tony, Stonie, and Bill Trinkaus purchased the former Waterbury Estate in 1945 and transformed it into a restaurant.

In a 2014 interview with Greater Utica Magazine, Andy Trinkaus shared how the idea was inspired by trips to New York City, where he admired the Christmas decorations along Fifth Avenue. “We should do something like this at the Manor,” he thought.

What began with a simple log cabin display grew into something legendary.

Visitors arrived by the busload from Rochester, Albany, Binghamton, and even Montreal. During the holiday season, the Trinkaus electric bill reportedly reached as much as $12,000 a month.

Even after the restaurant tragically burned in 1992, the spirit lived on, with displays later moved to Rome. In 2015, Rome honored Andy by naming a street Andy Trinkaus Way. Dining at Trinkaus during the holidays wasn’t just a meal—it was an experience.

Even local celebrities got into the Christmas spirit. Bozo the Clown, portrayed by WKTV anchor Ed Whittaker, was beloved by children throughout the area. His surprise appearances at holiday events only added to the magic of the season.

Shopping, of course, has always been a major part of Christmas. For decades, it happened downtown, among family-owned businesses that lined the streets. Stores were packed floor to ceiling with toys, games, and hobbies. One favorite was A & J Hobby House in South Utica, especially for Lionel train enthusiasts.

As children grew older, interests shifted to clothes, jewelry, and shoes—and downtown had it all. Crowded sidewalks were filled with familiar faces, handshakes, hugs, ringing church bells, glowing lights, and beautiful window displays that warmed even the coldest days.

A day of Christmas shopping wouldn’t be complete without lunch or dinner downtown—whether at Woolworth’s or the Boston Store’s Mohawk Room. Somehow, the food always tasted better after a few hours of shopping.

Discount stores like State Street Mill made it possible for even kids to buy gifts for loved ones. Later came Nichols, Stars, and Kmart, followed by shopping centers in New Hartford, Whitestown, and beyond.

Then, in 1974, Christmas shopping changed forever with the arrival of Riverside Mall—a climate-controlled wonderland where stores, theaters, salons, and restaurants all lived under one roof. No more slushy sidewalks or frozen toes. Decorations hung from the ceilings, holiday music filled the air, and the scents of caramel corn, pizza, burgers, and even pipe tobacco drifted through the corridors.

In 1980, Sangertown Square opened, offering even more shopping and entertainment, followed by Charleston Mall with its outlet stores. Each brought its own chapter to the story of Christmas shopping in our area.

And then there’s the most important shopping of all—Christmas groceries. Food carries our family traditions, generation to generation. Whether it’s fish on Christmas Eve or a special ham enjoyed every year, these meals connect us to our roots. We were reminded just how important that togetherness is when we couldn’t gather as freely not so long ago.

However you celebrate Christmas—whether for family, tradition, memories, or faith—for many, it is about commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Churches once played a central role in our Christmas memories, and for those who don’t mind hearing it, God bless you. May your Christmas be healthy, joyful, and filled with peace.

All of us here at Greater Utica Magazine wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.