Christmas was a magical time at Yard Birds. Their toy department was legendary in the Northwest and they had huge events for families. Every year Santa would be delivered to the roof by a helicopter and lowered down to the parking lot to meet the kids with much fanfare. People still talk to this day about the incredible people who played Santa at Yard Birds.
The employees worked hard to decorate the stores and worked long hours. Sometime their spouses would come in to help also. We have heard many tales about the great Christmas parties that they would have.
My Dad was one of the early Santas in the 50’s. I still have the beautiful velvet suit my mom made for him. In about 1955 , to the horror of my mom and her bridge club friends, I “outed” my dad while sitting on his lap.