Ciao tutti,
Since Christmas is a bit different this year, and many people may not make it in for the merry and bright, I decided to share some of the sites around town, bringing you some Christmas cheer, with a few memories along the way. Hope you enjoy!
Macy’s theme this year was THANK YOU. “Dear New York, To those of you fighting on the front lines to keep us healthy. To the ones keeping our city safe. To the ones who are unapologetic in the pursuit for a fair and equal world. To the New Yorkers who stayed when others did not, and to those who have returned. To the visitors from all over the world, who are safely enjoying our great city at its most magical time of year. To all of you who stand in front of us, we thank you for your resilience. For doing your part. We thank you for your courage and your spirit which have lifted us all. To our fellow New Yorkers, thank you. Here’s to a holiday season filled with joy, and a healthy & happy New Year. With love, All of us at Macy’s.”
Next up was Saks which was all about Celebration in our city. So many people say they’re sad for NYC. We aren’t sad! We are New Yorkers…strong and resilient and continue to maneuver through the challenges of Covid to maintain joy and celebration through the hardships. So people, please stop feeling sorry for us.
Off the beaten path of 5th Avenue, down to Broadway & 19th, is one of my favorite spots for Christmas window displays. ABC Carpet & Home’s Windows are in my top 3 every year! Years ago I did a ‘Girls Gone Wild Weekend’ which included Mom, Aunts Fan and Kathleen, Cousin Andrea and myself. Best pajama parties ever. We’d go see the tree and all holiday windows, do some shopping at the outdoor holiday markets, dinners out, order in…and one of the bright spots of the weekend was stopping at ABC to see the windows and buy an annual Christmas ornament. Such loving, fun and good times!
Some random shots walking along and passing Empire State Building (Thanksgiving night), the New York Public Library Lions - Patience showcased here being a perfect NY-er with his mask, Grand Central, Bryant Park, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and just recently during the snowstorm (yay!) Madison Square Park.
And last, but certainly not least….the epicenter of New York City Christmas….Rockefeller Center!
First, at the risk of having you think I’m crazy…well most of you reading this already know, so what can I lose LOL, I have a bit of a confession to make. Prior to the lighting of the tree, I have a tradition of going up to welcome it, apologize, and say thank you. Truth be told, as much as I love the tradition of the tree I have mixed feelings about chopping it down. One consolation is that after the holidays the tree is donated to Habitat for Humanity to help build houses. What I recently found out in talking to CJ, the mayor of Rockefeller Center, is that it goes to the local Habitat for Humanity where the tree came from. Quite nice.
I decided to take another trip up the night before the virtual lighting of the tree. I thought maybe I can see them do a practice run or something. But what I didn’t expect was that they were pre-recording some of the performances that night. Can you say score!! And the best part is, out of what would be a 2-hour show, I happened to arrive the moment the Rockettes were rehearsing and then they filmed their entire performance! They were freezing their jingle buns off, but after 3 takes it was a wrap. I have a special love for the Rockettes as it is a Mom connection for me. She used to take us every year to see the Christmas show and for weeks after I’d dance around the house as a self-proclaimed Rockette!
For a snippet of the Rockettes’ performance click HERE
And once the tree was lit I had to go up and see the finished product. Things are a bit different this year. You need to enter on 49th Street and scan a code once you get there. You’ll receive a text with the time you can enter. Only groups of 4 can enter together and you’ll need to stand in a pod. The day my cousins and I went it was pretty empty so we didn’t have to do any of that…just walked right in…There are some major benefits to the emptier streets for us hometown people. And although they said there would be 5-minute visits, no one bothered us to leave. It was a beautiful and festive experience!
I have many more photos and anecdotes that I share on social media and invite you to follow me on Instagram and Facebook, links above.
Merry Christmas everyone! Hold your loved ones close, whether you are in person or if you celebrate virtually. Be sure to call those you love who may be alone…they may not tell you just how lonely they are so don’t assume. Big Love, PatriciaG
If you feel so inclined, I’d love it if you shared in the Comments section below.
Everyone stay safe, healthy, sane and enjoy the Holiday Season! Merry Christmas! Big Love, PatriciaG
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