Mayor Holly Brinda

Ely Square, Finwood Estate and Cascade Park all have become the settings for Christmas memories of Elyria’s elected officials.

Members of the city administration and City Council shared some of their favorite occasions growing up in the Lorain County seat or elsewhere.

“Some of my most treasured memories of my four children growing up were taking our annual hike from our home to the city’s Finwood Estate, 799 North Abbe Road, to see the enchanted forest aglow with thousands of holiday lights, elves and woodland animals peeking out behind trees, the Christmas train, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“My husband Greg and I would dress them in their snow suits, trudge them through the snow and have them convinced by the time we arrived that Finwood was Santa’s vacation home where he relaxed before he returned to the North Pole to deliver all the toys to the good little girls and boys. They were just lucky enough to live across the street...

“As mayor, it is these memories that fuel my desire to make sure every child in our community, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity for a joyful holiday. Through the generosity of individuals and organizations, the city has been able to return the Holiday Festival of Lights celebration at Finwood and Ely Square to their former grandeur, even in difficult financial times.”

Brinda also reminded residents of Elyria and Lorain County that Finwood Estate is open 6-9 p.m. through Dec. 23. The outside lights will remain on through Jan. 2.

Law Director Scott Serazin

“My most vivid memory of Christmas with my family was Dec. 25, 1980. The entire family was gathered together at my wife’s parents, Al and Helen Charnes, in Elyria. We had just finished the dinner celebration when my unborn child Andrew decided to arrive three weeks early! We still joke that he heard there was a party and didn’t want to miss it.

“It was very cold and the roads were icy so my motherin-law rode with us as we set out for Allen Memorial Hospital in Oberlin. I was helping my wife Becky control the pain of contractions through the breathing exercises we learned at Lamaze classes.

“Suddenly the car decided to turn sideways on (Route) 57, sliding along the icy highway. I then decided to use the breathing exercises for myself since I had visions of trying to deliver a baby in a ditch. (No cellphones those days.)

“Well, the car never spun out and eventually righted itself and we made it to the hospital. Soon Andrew Charnes Serazin arrived — early, feisty and scrawny on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 1980. He has done very well in spite of the emotional scars of sharing his birthday with Jesus Christ every year.

“My wife and I, however, remember the best Christmas present of all.”

Mark Jessie, Ward 3 councilman

“I grew up in Stow in the mid-1960s and have vivid memories going to downtown Akron to see the window displays at O’Neil’s and Polskys’ department stores. I still have a cherished treasure — a small, silver Christmas tree purchased at Woolworth’s in Akron for 98 cents.

“I remember that you only had one chance to see ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ or the ‘Grinch’ or ‘Rudolph’ on TV each December, and you made sure you were at home to watch them. I remember poring over the thick Sears’ and Penney’s catalogs circling gift ideas.

“Going to my grandma’s house on Christmas Eve and then to a candlelight service at the Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls turned into trying unsuccessfully to fall asleep.”

Donna Mitchell, Ward 6 councilwoman

“As I think about my favorite Christmas memories, they all surround my family. As I have gotten older I understand that spending time with your family and friends is most important.

“I remember my mother taking us to the O’Neil Shopping Center to see the talking Christmas tree. I remember standing in the cold and being amazed that the tree actually talked.”

Jack Cerra, Ward 7 councilman

“My father was the only boy out of eight children. Growing up, six of his sisters lived and raised their families within a six-block radius here in Elyria. That meant 14 very close first cousins and numerous friends all living close by.

“Christmas was a big family doing for a lot of years. The holiday started before dawn Thanksgiving morning when the first of what seemed like endless Christmas albums started playing. After that day of cooking, eating and decorating the activities seemed endless.

“Finding the right tree was always a treat, usually an 8to 12-foot blue spruce. There were seemingly endless snow ball fights and building of snowmen.

“My dad and uncles would take us sled riding on the weekends to Cascade Park or Spring Valley for hours at a time, not sure who wore who out. After all these activities it was back to someone’s house to thaw out, dry the mittens and boots by the fur- nace, enjoy home made cookies and hot chocolate. At some point with cups in hand came the Christmas carolling, from one family’s or neighbor’s house to the next, refilling and snacking as we went.

“All these activities lead up to a Christmas Eve party to celebrate not only Christmas but also our grandfather’s birthday. Each year was at a different house, but with the same tradition of a big meal after which us kids would squeeze in as close to the tree as possible and sing carols. When we sang good enough and loud enough, Santa would appear for a quick pit stop and give us each one present to open.

“Then it was off to midnight mass after which us kids would go home and get in bed. The adults would gather for a night cap, and gather presents from various neighbors that Santa asked them to store there to make his job easier.

“Christmas morning was controlled chaos while my sister, brothers and myself scrambled to find our presents, followed by a phone call to Germany to talk to mom’s parents and family.

“Finally on New Year’s Day came the Mud Bowl game. Softball was played at Hamilton school field, regardless of the weather, followed with a stop at the Polish Club, where us kids got to play with left over party favors from New Years Eve. While this marked the end of the Christmas Holiday season it also meant the beginning of our 4th of July planning.”

Tom Callahan, councilman-at-large

“When I was about 5, I remember going to downtown Elyria — Ely Square — to see Santa Claus. I was convinced he was the real Santa Claus because he was in a little red house. The San- tas in the department stores and Midway Mall didn’t seem real to me.

“I can remember going to Cascade Park to go sledding when I was about 8. I enjoyed the rides down the hill but struggled to get back up to the top.

“At home I can always remember taking down the tree on New Year’s Day. The city would collect the trees and at some point after the first of the year they would announce when they would burn the trees at the bottom of the hill in Cascade Park. One year my dad took me down to watch them burn. And just like that, the Christmas season was over.”