Has anyone ever seen the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center? If you have, then you probably know how ugly it is. First of all, the tree is covered, smothered to death is actually a better word, with colored lights, so you are barely able to see the tree at all—obnoxious bright lights assault your eyes, and the crowd is too large for its own good. Here’s the point: it didn’t matter. Last night I was reminded that Christmas isn’t about the trees and presents and decorations, it’s about being with your loved ones. And though I am not near my family this year, I do have my beautiful and wonderful wife here with me, which makes all the difference. If I had tried to see the tree by myself or even with friends, I think that I may have become upset that people were pushing to get a better look at the tree or my social anxiety would have flared up; however, since I was with my wife my soul was quiet, and I was able to just go with the flow. It didn’t matter that the tree was a disappointment or that there were way too many people; experiencing a New York City Christmas and being on a date with my wife was worth it.
Tired of the mob, I dragged Alex into Anthropologie. When it comes to shops that are feminine, Anthropologie is a fun store. I really like the style of the clothes and house wares. It was a nice little lovers’ tryst compared to the mayhem outside. We couldn’t stay there all night, so we had to exit and join the mob again
Once out of hell, we moved down Sixth Avenue where we discovered a Hanukkah parade. If you know Alex, then you’ll know that she loves parades. She just learned the story of Hanukkah from her friend Mike a week ago, and she thinks that it’s one of the greatest stories she’s ever heard—she likes miracles and magic, so Hanukkah is right up her alley. If you don’t know the story, ask her and she’ll be glad to give you a retelling. Anyway, the parade was small: there were no floats or marching bands or anything, just cars and RVs with signs on them declaring the celebration of lights. I was slightly entertained by the cars that were held up on the cross streets because of the parade—Sixth Avenue wasn’t shut down and I didn’t see any signs indicating alternative routes, so people were just stuck at lights for fifteen or so minutes while the parade passed. It was a great sight. Alex yelled and screamed and giggled like the person she is, which always adds so much to my life. You can read her post and get an idea of what the event was like for her. Chanukah, Oh Chanukah, come light the Menorah!
We walked down to Bryant Park, which is on Sixth Avenue and Forty-Second Street (Rockefeller Center is between Forty-eighth and Fifty-First Streets). Alex really enjoys Bryant Park. For the holidays, the park put up an ice rink and vendors have little stores lining the walkway. It was really cool. We found Alex’s Secret Santa gift there, and I looked at winter hats. We just hung out for a half hour or so, peeping in the stores to check out all the holiday goods. I can honestly say that if you are here only for a day and can see either Bryant Park or Rockefeller Center, you should skip the later and have fun in Bryant Park.
Our last stop of the evening was Macy’s on Thirty-Fourth Street. I walk by this department store three times a week, but Alex has never been in it. The store is gigantic: nine levels and a whole city block. I get a headache just thinking about it. Well, that’s it. Alex and I had a successful date, and I’m eager to see what comes next in our holiday celebrations.
One last thought that’s been haunting me since last night: there is nothing more discouraging than the disparity between the shops that display wealth on Fifth and the bums that have to sleep on cathedral steps in their cardboard homes on the same street. I am thankful that Alex and I make good money and save every month. I also know that people don’t go hungry in this city thanks to soup kitchens and food dens. I also like the thought that all of these beggars and homeless people sleep at the feet of Christ’s bride, the Church. However, it’s a sobering sight to know that so many people suffer bitter New York winter nights. Seeing the wealth of America and the poor of America in such close proximity makes me sad, because I know that not all rich people give generously, like they should. It also makes me upset that Alex and I can’t give more to the underprivileged.
Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.
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