Jersey Shore Magazine

j e r s e y s h o r e • F A L L / H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 6 113 than a wise man or a beautiful angel?" "Probably because they were made in Japan and those made in Italy cost more," I answered. Then I turned and completed the display by placing each figure in its proper position. Now in my mind I decided I would like to have my own Nativity set. I went upstairs to see how much allow- ance I had saved for this day. I had just enough to buy the Holy Family that month. I would have to save the next couple of weeks to add a few more pieces. I explained my dilemma to Mrs. Greenberg who promised she would set aside the remaining figures I needed to complete my set until I could pay for them. This was my introduction to the "lay away plan." For the next month I would have to decline invitations to the movies and ice cream with my friends. They would tease me about my excuse— that I had to save my allowance for figures for my Nativity set. Betty would say, "Why would you waste your money buying bearded men in robes? You could be out with us." "I'd really like to go but right now this is more important to me." "O.K. but you're the one missing out," she said as she walked away shaking her head. Shirley and I became even closer friends because she knew that I was saving my money to spend in her parents' store. Besides, my Catechism friends rarely included her. Shirley and I spent time after school playing paper dolls and coloring. That next month, I had saved enough money to buy two Wise Men. I would have to wait until next Christmas to buy the third and add some other figures. I proudly set out the Holy Family and two Wise Men under our small fir tree that Christmas. Although our tree was scrawny, it filled the room with its evergreen scent. As I placed the last strand of tinsel on the tree, my Mom said, "It looks good but, something is missing. Shouldn't there be three Wise Men?" "Yes, but I could only afford two. I plan to buy the other one and more figures next year. Mrs. Greenberg said she would save them for me." "That was sweet of her," said my Mom as she offered me some of her fresh baked sugar cookies and a cup of hot cocoa. The day after decorating, while listening to Christmas carols on the radio, Mom and I would bake our traditional Italian cookies: biscotti, anisette knots, fried bowties, and struffoli. The sweet, buttery aroma wafted throughout our apartment. I also remember that there was a knock at the door. As Mom opened the door I heard Mrs. Greenberg's gentle voice say, "I closed the store early because it's the first night of Hanukkah, and I knew how much Janey wanted to complete her Nativity set. I thought I'd give her a little Hanukkah gift." Hearing this, I went to receive my tissue wrapped gift and realized it was the third Wise Man. With a smile that reached from ear to ear, I threw my arms around Mrs. Greenberg and shouted, "Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!" As I thanked her, I took my third Wise Man and gave him his proper place under the tree. So you see granddaughter, this is why I always find a place for my Nativity set every Christmas, and I hope you will too when it's yours someday. u Frank Finale is the author of the new coffee table book "To The Shore Once More, Volume III" as well as "To The Shore Once More, Volumes I & II" and "A Gull's Story, Parts 1, 2, and 3." He is also coeditor of the anthologies "Under A Gull's Wing" and "The Poets of New Jersey." Mr. Finale will be giving readings, meeting readers, and signing books at numerous events this sea- son. Please refer to pages 95 - 112 for more information about his books and appearances as well as www.jerseyshorebooks.com. HOME PORT A HANUKKAH GIFT FOR CHRISTMAS, continued from page 114 Subscribe and Bring the Jersey Shore into Your Home All Year-Round! Our five publications cover Ocean and Monmouth Counties— everything from Sandy Hook to Long Beach Island! THREE WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE: Call Toll-Free: 888-22-SHORE (888-227-4673) Order Online: www.jerseyshorevacation.com By Mail: Send your check or credit card info to: Jersey Shore Publications P.O. Box 176, Bay Head, NJ 08742-0176 Only $19.95 Your "Jersey Shore" subscription will include: JERSEY SHORE Magazine (spring and fall/holiday issues); JERSEY SHORE Vacation Magazine (summer issue); JERSEY SHORE Vacation Map (summer issue); LONG BEACH ISLAND Vacation Guidebook & Map (summer issue). T hey are full of beautiful, full-color artwork and photography as well articles and guides to the Jersey Shore featuring Places To Go & Things To Do, Events Calendars, Attractions & Activities, Theatre & Entertainment, Historic Sites & Museums, Beaches, Parks & Recreation Areas, Public Golf Courses, Accommodations, Shopping, Art & Antiques, Dining Out, Real Estate, and much more!

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