Wheeling Residents, Natives Flock To Nostalgic Places on Christmas Eve
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WHEELING -- Whether its picking up a colorful poinsettia at the Oglebay greenhouse or looking for that nostalgic gift at historic Centre Market, many people from near and far made their way out in search of that special extra gift on Christmas Eve in the Friendly City.
Long-time Oglebay Park Greenhouse and Palm Room Supervisor Marilyn Jenkinson said it brings a smile to her face every year when regular customers make it a tradition to stop in a day or two before Christmas to purchase that last minute poinsettia, ornament, or colorful flower. She said long-time customers will sometimes call her well in advance of the holiday to hold a poinsettia for Christmas Eve. Jenkinson said a lot of people also stop in to purchase a colorful Cyclamen, which is considered a popular Christmas flower, or a Winter Rose.
"Our regulars, we look forward to seeing them every year and seeing how they've been doing," Jenkinson explained.
She said customers usually start coming in for Christmas items beginning Thanksgiving weekend and continue through Christmas Eve. She said poinsettias begin to mature around Thanksgiving and that kind of kicks off the holiday season at the Palm Room.
Many folks looking for that last-minute nostalgic gift or item made their way to the historic Centre Market in Wheeling on Tuesday morning.
Tony Bonitatibus of McMechen said while it's not a tradition, he decided to make a last-minute stop at the shops in Centre Market while searching for something nostalgic.
"I'm just trying to find something old and meaningful," Bonitatibus commented, while searching through an antique shop in Centre Market.
Antiques on the Market store employee Anne Lamb said their shop is always busy with customers from near and far on Christmas Eve looking for that special gift. She said old "Wheeling" items are always a popular choice among customers. She said one customer found an old heavy duty Warwood varsity letter patch while searching through the store.
Sherrard native Allison Nanney of Nashville, Tenn., who was browsing through several Centre Market stores Tuesday with her husband and son, said they find themselves visiting the Centre Market area over the holidays more often after moving away from the area because of the nostalgic feeling it brings to her family.
"It makes you think of home," she explained.