A Childhood Christmas Memory: The Merry Christmas Banner Above the Jolly Cut

Growing up in Hamilton, there was always one holiday tradition that filled me with excitement: seeing the “Merry Christmas” banner on the retaining walls above the Jolly Cut. As a child, that bright, festive greeting was like a signal that Christmas had truly arrived. The banner, with its bold colours, would stretch across the landscape, greeting all who passed by with a simple yet powerful message of holiday cheer.

I can still remember the feeling of anticipation each time we drove past it. Whether we were heading out to run some errands Downtown or just going about our day, I’d press my face against the window and watch as we got closer, the banner growing larger in the distance. It was as though the entire city was joining together in a celebration of the season. The sight of it made the world feel a little more magical, a little more festive.

That banner, perched high above the Jolly Cut, was more than just a decoration—it was a symbol of everything I loved about Christmas. It reminded me of the excitement of counting down the days until Christmas morning, the crisp white snow outside, our Christmas Mass and the warmth of family gatherings. Even as the years went by, every time I saw that banner, it brought me back to those childhood moments.

I think the best part was the wonder I had about how that sign made it there in the first place? A Christmas Miracle in my eyes!