Grandpa's Tie

Christmas Eve is one of the best times of the year to don a suit and tie.  For some it’s an essential mode of expression.  For others, it’s a nice occasion to dress up a little more than usual.  While Christmas day is made for cozy sweaters and long breakfasts, Christmas Eve is a more formal - yet no less fun - affair.

Yet the holidays aren’t always as merry and bright as the songs make out.  Last Thursday, my Grandpa passed away.  Losing someone is tough, doubly so during the holiday season.  That said, he had a full life of 95 years and a career as a Command Sergeant Major that took him around the world.  Not only was Grandpa insightful and kind, but he was dapper, whether in a jacket and trousers or in one of the many flannel and jean ensembles I remember him wearing when tending his garden or grilling on the 4th of July.

After Grandpa died, my Grandma went to her closet and pulled out some clothes of his that she thought I would like.  While his sportcoats didn’t fit me, he had a beautiful silk Claiborne tie, about three inches wide and made in the U.S.A.  Red roses and gold accents adorned the tie’s mid-blue background, making it a versatile piece that adds pizzazz to a formal outfit.

On Christmas Eve, I wore my new Eidos suit and shirt to work and to feast.  Instead of the Eidos tie that accompanied the outfit last time, I wore my Grandpa’s floral tie which looked elegant against the dress shirt’s subtle grid check.  I got many compliments on it from coworkers, but what felt best was seeing my Grandma smile when she saw me wear it later that evening.  This holiday season was tougher than most, but having my Grandpa's tie with me helped ease the sadness.  He was a trooper until the end, and I know he’d want me to keep on keeping on in his spirit.

Grandpa, this one’s for you.

Tie: Claiborne (vintage), Suit and Shirt: Eidos Napoli, Pocket Square: Nordstrom Men's Shop

Photographer: @rossthe59

Location: Nordstrom Mall of America