Christmas In New York Will Be Different, But That’s Okay

Change is part of life, and with the public health crisis still in our midst, we need to accept it. Things will be different. But, we’ll get through it. We always do. And, if we wear our masks, keep distant, wash our hands, (yes, we KNOW — rolling of the eyes), we can safely partake in some of our cherished seasonal events. 

One of my favorite activities this time of year is shopping at the holiday kiosks in Bryant Park. When I saw that the shops with all their international and homegrown goodies had opened, and would be in town until January, I knew that I could check one tradition on my list.  Walking from Penn to Sixtth Avenue and 43rd Street to meet my city partner, daughter Emily, I did sense things were unusually quiet on the streets surrounding Macy’s and Times Square, but there really isn’t anything typical anymore, and I have to remind myself to appreciate whatever comes my way.

Bryant Park was, indeed, open and ready for business. Most if not all of the shops were there, and for the first time, there were no mobs of people to push through. That was a most welcome change, and something I didn’t expect. In years past, there were always kiosks that were so chock full of shoppers that I had to regrettably pass them by. On this day, it was so pleasurable to see some items up close that I’d only seen from afar, peruse the fancy soaps, whimsical watches, adorable mismatched socks, speak to the shopkeepers about the origin of products, and sample Vermont syrup.  

The ice-skating rink was also bustling with facemasked skaters and a reduced capacity, and still a very cheery scene. After our fill of shopping, next up was a stroll to Rockefeller Center to at least take a gander at the unlit tree as it may be the closest I’ll get to it this year. (As of this writing, the tree lighting is being held without the public invited, and plans are still being discussed on how to provide free tickets to those who want to get the proposed five minute viewing at scheduled times.) 

Walking back to Penn on this chilly December day, the streets began to fill out, the city people were getting coffee, and shoppers were lining up to get into FAO Schwarz, taking selfies beside Macy’s windows, and street vendors were selling winter hats and scarves.  A look up at the ball in Times Square still says 2020. What will 2021 bring?  

I’ll think about that tomorrow.  For now, it’s looking a lot like Christmas in New York. 

The Winter Village at Bryant Park remains open until January 3, 2021
bryantpark.org

Photos by MJ Hanley-Goff