Hey readers,

Two weeks ago, I wrote about Philly being an odd city and overall Philly oddities. From Billy Penn’s erect hand to the Roundhouse. From the Mütter Museum to the Mummers. And every jawn in between. I got a great response from that newsletter, so here is a little more oddness. This list stems from a Philadelphia Inquirer column by Stephanie Farr titled The 12 quirkiest holiday traditions in the Philly region. I really enjoy Stephanie’s column. Also, a quick plug here: if you are a Philadelphian and want to read and support local news, food, and sports (and solid national, international, business, etc.), a digital subscription to the Inquirer is well worth it and would make a great gift as well. Introductory offer of $1 for 6 months. By the way, I have absolutely zero affiliation, connection, or cross-promotion with the Inquirer. I genuinely like it.

Ok, now back to our regular programming: a brief discussion of several of the oddities noted in Stephanie’s column — some of which I have partaken in, some of which I am familiar with, and some I have never even heard of.

1. Christmas at Macy’s (née Wanamaker’s). My mom took me there when I was a little kid in the 1970s. And Kristen and I have taken our kids there multiple times in the 2010s. The Eagle, the light show, the organ — all remain the same. But what is really odd is the time capsule that is the animatronic retelling of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol at Dickens Village. First, this huge display seems right out of the 70s, but was originally created in 1984. Second, I wouldn’t want to get stuck in this place after dark. Third, this entire Dickens display used to be at Strawbridge’s Department Store before being moved to the Wanamaker’s building this century (in my head, it was always right where it is now). The bottom line is this is a really cool show for the kids. And kids these days may not be used to such “analog” entertainment. Then, at the end, they can get their picture taken with Santa. Needless to say, Macy’s has it set up where you have to walk past all the toys before you leave. What a coincidence. Plan to spend an entire morning or afternoon at Macy’s for the quintessential Philadelphia odd Christmas family adventure. All the information you need is here and here.

2. Shopping at Kindy’s. I Have driven by Kindy’s a million times on the Expressway heading to the sports complex or the Walt. I read Stephanie’s Farr awesome Christmas 2021 article about the place. That is when I first learned what was up. I still have never been there. Very hard to describe what is going on, but it is an odd, very old-school, South Philly retail experience. Let’s sum it up with two quotes from the 2021 article: “The ceiling, I’ll be very honest, we’re so used to it we don’t even notice it,’ Richard Kinderman said. ‘But we do know the paint is not lead-based! We’ve had it tested many times.’” And this summary of the entire experience… “Inside, the no-frills, no-heat, no-way-I-haven’t-seen-this-decoration-in-decades adventure continues at what may be one of the most Philly holiday stores — and experiences — in the city.” Okay, and a third quote— “I even got to sit in Santa’s ripped old chair. Seriously, the best place I’ve ever been to!’”

3. Tinsel Christmas Bar. This is the seventh year for this pop-up at 12th & Sansom. I am not familiar with it, but I need to check it out.

4. Comcast Holiday Spectacular. Yes, locals and tourists alike stand and sit on the lobby floor of a corporate office tower in Center City to watch a 15-minute high-def video on an 83-foot wall/screen. Not just any corporate tower, but Philly’s very own Comcast Corp, who also happens to own NBC and Universal Studios, among many, many other things. The show is an interesting way to get out of the cold and into a pretty cool lobby. So, just stop in during the workday or perhaps after a family visit to the Christmas Village (which surprisingly did not make Stephanie’s list).

5. Partying in pastry lines. Never done the partying part, but have seen these lines. The holiday queue outside of Isgro on Christian Street can be ridiculous. But well worth it. The cannoli. The cookies. The cakes. I love Isgro.

6. The Eagles Christmas Album — A Philly Special Christmas Special. My son Ari and his friend Edward wanted to hear this while driving home from school a few days ago. So, I heard it for the first time. A fun album. And our offensive line sounds great! Raises a ton of money for charity to boot. On Apple Music, Spotify, etc. I think I would listen to Jason Kelce over his brother’s girlfriend any day.

7. Mummers Parade and Two Street party. Ok, I covered this in my original piece. Also, No. 7 on that list. The Mummers are definitely odd enough to fall on two lists. No doubt there.

Have a great weekend!

Warm regards,

Jeff

As always, please know that I’m humbled by and appreciative of your introductions and referrals. If you have a friend, colleague, or family member that is in need of Expert Real Estate Representation, please have them contact me.

Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.

Jeff City Block

City Block Team
Assoc. Broker
M: 215.833.7088
O: 267.435.8015
[email protected]