Susan Hathiramani

Eaton's Once Upon a Christmas Susan Hathiramani

The Christmas season arrived as usual at the T. Eaton's Company in Saskatoon. During this time of the year, the wizard's spirit began to fill with goodwill towards his fellow man. Each year he looked forward to decorating the display windows. He created magical scenes since he loved to make children smile. Children and adults alike would eagerly press their noses against the frosted glass windows' panes to see inside the store. The wizard moved the wooden storage crates into the display windows. His blue eyes twinkled when he saw the plaster of Paris mechanical figurines. He tinkered with the archaic electrical cords, small rides and assembled the Winterkins Ferris wheel. When he turned on the switch, it came to life, with bright twinkling lights casting a hazy glow over the snow. The Winterkins began to whirl and twirl in their rides over the Winter Wonderland. He imagined the Winterkins yelling with delight when the Ferris wheel began to turn. He added the final touches to the display by blowing glittery snowflakes over the wintery scene. Then he placed each of the little ones on skates so they could enjoy a day of winter fun, gliding across the silver, make-believe pond. John and Susan Ewert worked at Eaton's Department during the 1980s. Christmas was a magical time for both of them. After, John passed away in 2007. Susan decided to write fairy tales about their life together. She captures the magic of working at Eaton's during Christmas time in this short illustrated tale. Also, the book contains eighteen photos of the display and the story about "Once Upon a Christmas". The display can be seen during Christmastime at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.