For those of you who may not know, I am originally from South Philly. We moved to Southwest when I was about five, and moved back to South Philly when I was 16. But for every year, no matter where we lived, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day were very, very special.
On New Year's Eve, my paternal grandmother Angela always had a big open house party. She lived for most of those years on 1121 Tasker St. All her sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews would come. There was SO much food, drink and laughs. My grandmother in those years, was a wonderful, vibrant, funny woman. And the talent... she was a commercial artist, dressmaker and interior designer. I inherited NONE of those talents. All I got was her rotten temper. But that's another story for another time. Those New Year's Eve parties were enjoyed for many years, until she moved to 12th St. in 1966.
But - Another tradition lived on for many more years. On New Year's Day, there was this little parade on Broad Street. Of course, this is the Mummer's Parade. When I was little, I thought it was called Mummer's Day because that's what I always heard. I thought every city had one. Only later did I learn that the Mummers are distinctly and exclusively Philadelphia. I still love my city's history if not what it has become. And I'm glad not to live or work there anymore.
My father's uncles, Ralph and Paris, would get their prime spot on Broad St. directly across the street from St. Agnes Hospital. They always brought a ladder, and we kids always had a prime viewing spot. And Dad always had a thermos full of "special" coffee... totally spiked. I remember him letting us sip it when we got too cold.
When you couldn't feel your feet anymore from the cold, you would walk a block and a half to Grandmom Rucci's house on Iseminger St., where you would get some hot soup, hot chocolate and cookies. Then when you warmed up you would go back to the viewing spot in time to see the String Bands. Then back to Grandmom's for more food, fun, laughs, card games, and (mostly friendly) arguments. Great times and sweet memories.
This went on for most of my youth, up till I was in my late teens. I NEVER missed a Mummer's parade. These memories are burned into my mind and they are sweet memories of a family long gone. The only one of Angela's siblings to survive is Aunt Cheta, who is in her mid 90s now and still on Iseminger St. The Ruccis always held their age remarkably well.
Since those days ended, we had many other New Year's Eve parties, some at Mom's house (one of which lasted three days because the Mummer's parade was postponed) and some celebrated with the Archer Epler Musketeers Drum Corps brothers and sisters. All good times and well remembered with smiles.
Maybe it's a sign of age that New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are now just days to me. I prefer to stay home now and prefer not to travel on New Year's Day. I'm happy to stay home, warm and comfy. And happy to watch the parade in the comfort of my warm house, close to food and facilities. Hahaa. I'm happy to see the New Year in quietly with Lou and ZivaDiva, and make a nice pork roast dinner for today. I let the memories of those New Year's Eves warm my mind and soul. I truly value what family I have, the many friends I've made, and those traditions which once graced our lives.
Make yourself some good memories. Even though Great Grandmom Rucci, the grandparents, my parents and now my brother Paris are all celebrating in Heaven... they all live eternally in my heart and in my smiles.
May 2023 be a good one for all of us. May it not take you till May to write "2023" instead of "2022".
Happy, Healthy New Year to everyone. Be safe, and make sure you tell your loved ones that you LOVE THEM. SAY it, MEAN it, SHOW IT.
With love to all.
