Once upon a time there was no internet and when people had to shop they went to their nearest Main Street in anytown USA or Canada.

Santa was everywhere and no child questioned why there was one in every store as everyone knew that Santa had many helpers.

No flowers were ordered online and you purchased flowers in the local flower shop where the air was full of scents from the poinsettias, evergreen branches and large red ribbons and bells were hung everywhere.

Dad and Grandpa went to the local barber shop instead of Supercuts and gossiped with the rest of the patrons. After their fill of laughter and friendship they ventured out in the cold crisp air smelling of Aqua Velva and Old Spice.

There are still the beloved dress and hat shops on some Main streets and at Impressions, Nancy will give you personal attention. When is the last time you had personal attention at Walmart or online?

Doug Hawkin's family has owned this shoe business for over 60 years and when my son needed wedding shoes at the very last minute he was there for us and did his utmost. This year the Christmas slippers were bought from Doug as not only does he care for each customer - his son  is my son's best friend. You can't get that on the internet.

I lost Christmas for many years but suddenly found it this year, remembering years gone by when my sons tightly held their pocket change and bought gifts in this very store.

Sounds and sights of Christmas fill each window and if you look at the window reflection you can see they have been here for many Christmas's gone by.

If you go into Sweetcheeks you feel the warmth of family and not just an image on a screen. Colourful cuddly items fill each corner and children's laughter fills the air.

Women use to pop in to hairdressers each week like The Hair Loft where owners like Heather will greet you with a hug.  You won't just be a cog in a wheel and smiles and a warm cup of tea are free in the real world.

Blessed are the children of artists for they shall inherit the earth. Come in and see the magic first hand.

Drop in for a muffin and coffee in a  little warm corner of Main Street. Enjoy real conversation instead of speaking to a screen. We are losing bits and pieces of being social with each other each minute we spend on the internet.

When I was a child we never went to a lot of stores to Christmas shop. Hashim's, The Ritz and a couple of other stores were enough for us. The staff knew everyone, especially those we were buying for, and had many personal suggestions.

The Treasure Chest on the Main Street of Cowansville,Quebec was my favourite store and the ladies of Wisteria have a shop that is the closest that comes to my childhood. Jams, tea, honey, scarves and so many other things with a personal touch.

Without the knowledge of our past history, origin and culture we are similar to a tree without roots. My family attempts to preserve architectural history and I am proud of them for keeping history alive.

Flashback--Holiday nights--
Are almost left behind,
Suitcases of memories,
Time after Time.

“You don't have to turn on the TV set. You don't have to work on the Internet. It's up to you."
Ray Bradbury

Photos by Linda Seccaspina of downtown Carleton Place, Ontario

The merchants of yesterday in Carleton Place

The history of The Graystone Inn/Guidos

The Carleton Place Santa Claus Parade Blog

Epilogue

Yes, I know I sell, live and breathe on the internet- but it was sure nice to remember when I didn't.

The Seccaspina - Griswold Christmas Lights

www.Hypersmash.com