The little Southern Illinois and former coal mining town was resplendent in Holiday Decorations. The parking along the town was striped for diagonal parking. The brilliantly lit Christmas wreaths were stretched across the road and secured on either side by the telephone poles. For a small town as all of Little Egypt’s towns were…it was dazzling. There was a humongous Santa Claus statue near the bank, accentuating the uptown Quadrangle. The little town was of faith and many churches dotted its blocks.

The Orpheum Theatre marquee was ablaze with cascading lights. Lanny gave Billy B a drive to the Christmas Movie. A fifth of Peppermint Schnapps sat next to the happy driver and he offered Billy B a drink if he so chose. Billy B thirstily drank not 1 drink but 3 or 4 and suddenly felt very much in the yuletide mood. ‘Are you sure you are alright to go to the movie,’ asked Lanny?

‘I have never felt better if I may be so bold…I must have some more Schnapps soon,’ Billy B said with red-cheeked and watery-eyed joy! ‘I must confess that is the best Peppermint Schnapps that I have ever tasted,’ Billy B proclaimed!

The Orpheum was full of Holiday Cheer. Billy B stumbled to his seat…he was 9 years old. He fell asleep before the opening credits of It’s A Wonderful Life…

As Billy B left the Theatre he noticed Christmas Cookies Divinity and Holiday Punch for sale along the sidewalk the Orpheum set on. Where was the Ben Franklin Dime Store and Carter and Choisser’s Drug Store? Several people were wearing top hats and an English Bobby was standing next to him. A horse-drawn carriage pulled up to where he was standing and the driver asked if would like a ride…and he rode with joy. In the large circle of the connecting streets of the Quadrangle where many special events were held… was a group of young women dancing to the most compelling tune. Their graceful movements were swan-like and it was obvious that they had practiced for some time. Christmas arts and crafts were in every widow and hanging from all lampposts.

Eldorado was different but it was beautiful… Everyone was happy and full of the Spirit of Christmas…and Billy B awoke in 1966…