Here are highlights in history for Dec. 24, gleaned from the files of the Albert Lea Tribune:

1993 — Fairway Foods purchased El’s Fine Foods on South Broadway Avenue. (Note: The designation of El’s was based on the name of the previous owner, Elso Ryks.)

1983 — Albert Lea’s China Magic Cafe would be closed on Christmas Day, according to their Tribune ad.

1973 — The churches in Ellendale presented their second annual pageant depicting the birth of Christ. Part of the pageant was based on the Norby Barn on the community’s west side.