A Bridge From The Past To The Future
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Chanukah, New Years are all spectacular end of the year celebrations that bring family and friends together. Good, or merely interesting, it is this time of year when traditions are shared, taught, learned and passed on from generation to generation. Here in Lakewood we have an establishment that not only signals everything good about the holidays, it also provides an amazing bridge from one generation to the next. All can be made better this season with a simple visit to Mr. Christmas, aka, Mr. Holiday, Bill Hixson, at the one and only Hixson’s Barn. A northern Ohio tradition for over XXXX years!
Bill Hixson has been a family friend since he opened the place. I have written about how the closeness to the man, kept the legend at bay. But the legend is every bit as good as the man and the store. We could look back at the number of presidents Bill Hixson has been chosen by to decorate their White House’s Christmas Trees. I could go into the hundreds of ornaments Bill has designed of Lakewood, Cleveland and Northern Ohio-- most memorable sites, and soundly remembered and beloved memories. This year he introduced at least 5 new ornaments, 3 of them headed to the White House tree. All are available at the store currently. They sell out fast!
The most important thing Hixson the store and the man do, is provide a tangible bridge from generation to generation. As long as the store has been around it has brought together a near perfect eclectic view/collection of past present and future. With just enough of each, that even the current generation which fears shopping with the family and grandma and grandpa finds something that catches their eyes, and soon their imaginations. By the time they leave, their hearts are also won over, and another seed from another generation of memories, traditions and family celebration has been planted.
Each year I wonder what changes will come to Lakewood; the one thing I rarely wonder about is what will be in or at Hixson’s. As long as Bill walks the face of the earth with trusted Eunice at his side, holiday traditions past, present and future will have a home on Detroit Avenue.
Stop by this year, and see all the memories and traditions magically come to life. Bill has updated his Christmas Holiday Traditions book, and has beautiful examples of all of it in the store for your amusement, remembrance, and some can even be purchased and brought into your family.
Jim O'Bryan
Publisher, Lakewood Observer, Inc.