It seems like Christmas is creeping up on us earlier each year. While it's not quite as long as election season, holiday merchandise appears on the shelves almost as soon as the pumpkin spice lattes are gone, replaced by peppermint mochas and gingerbread flavors. However, even with the holiday goods stocking the shelves, something magical has been lost in most retail environments in our modern era. There used to be a sense of anticipation as stores opened their doors for the first holiday rush and had seemingly transformed overnight into a magical Christmas experience. This shift away from elaborate décor and displays is a natural consequence of the fact that nearly 80% of holiday shopping now happens online, leaving us with fewer chances to experience festive environments in person.
For those of us who grew up in the '50s and '60s, J.L. Hudson's, especially its downtown Detroit location, was a monumental part of our holiday memories. Generations of Michiganders fondly remember the spectacular displays and immersive holiday experiences at Hudson’s, which became a hallmark of the season. Hudson's made the holidays come alive with breathtaking window displays, strolls through the magical 12th-floor toy department, visits with Santa and mesmerizing animatronics.
Anyone who grew up in that era can share stories of shopping in Hudson’s elegant downtown store, where the excitement of the season filled the air. Unfortunately, the store closed its doors in 1983, and in 1998, viewers watched as the towering landmark, once the tallest department store in North America, was demolished, leaving behind only a cloud of dust.
Today, the loss of that immersive holiday experience is still felt. Stores like Hudson’s transformed shopping into an event that transported us from our everyday lives into a world of holiday wonder. However, with the rise of online shopping, the shift toward experiences over material goods, and the impact of the pandemic, such retail environments have mostly vanished.
If you're longing to recapture some of that magic, the city of Taylor has just the place: Santa’s Magic Playground at the Kudos Taproom & Fieldhouse located on 14100 Pardee Road, this holiday event brings back the nostalgic charm of Hudson's Christmas displays. This year, Santa’s Magic Playground opened on Saturday, November 30, and will run through Sunday, December 22 (please note that Kudos will be closed to the public on Sunday, December 8, and Friday, December 13, for prior commitments).
The event features enchanting, holiday displays, including animatronic characters from J.L. Hudson’s iconic Christmas collection. As always, the event benefits the Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, with Masco as their presenting sponsor. This year, Santa’s Magic Playground will have expanded hours: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4-9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon-8 p.m. Admission is just $5, with children 3 and under entering for free. Photos with Santa or the Grinch are available for an additional $10.
Proceeds from the event support Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry, a vital organization that serves communities in Taylor, Allen Park, Brownstown, Dearborn Heights, Romulus, Southgate, and Woodhaven. Located in Taylor, the pantry helps fight hunger, providing 2.8 million pounds of food annually to over 90,000 individuals. With the help of 24,000 volunteer hours, Fish & Loaves is a crucial lifeline for local Downriver families in need.
For more details, visit www.flcfp.org and click on the 'events' tab at the top of the page.
