#HolidaysonFifth:
Lighted Street Replicas Shed Joy
and Hope During Troubled Times
“What is one thing you think could bring all people hope and cheer this year? Write down your wish….
let the elves and Santa, too, work to make your wish come true…. Be kind and listen to your heart.”
(NW corner of East 51 Street near St. Patrick’s Cathedral)
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness…”
Charles Dickens and his words from A Tale of Two Cities describes how I feel this season holiday.
During the holidays New York City is a magical place. It is a city of lights and sparkle. Thousands of people flock here from all over the world mesmerized by the beautifully decorated shop windows especially those of Saks, Bergdorf’s, Macy’s and Bloomingdales. They are awe-struck by the magnificence of the Rockefeller Center tree, Sak’s Fifth Avenue outdoor Light Show and Windows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOcZYsSwiLQ ,
Radio City Musical Hall’s Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes and the thrill of shopping, dining or ice skating at the Holiday Village in Bryant Park.
This year Radio City is closed. Broadway, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall are shuttered as are many hotels, small and large.
Restaurants and bars are also empty. Those who have struggled are opened for outdoor dining, deliveries and pickups. Scores of stores, not just mom-and-pop shops, but big-name retailers have locked their doors for good. Usually Fifth Avenue is packed with people. Not this year! I am sad. I miss the excitement of busy sidewalks and bustling stores filled with tourists from all over the world.
I realize this season is the “worst of times” and the most difficult holiday season of many lifetimes. Surging COVID infections and deaths, soaring unemployment, hunger, homelessness, social injustices and political divisiveness, thanks to a contemptible White House leadership, soar to new levels.
When I walk the city dark clouds hover over me even on nights when the skies are crystal clear. Two weeks ago, as I entered Fifth Avenue a slight glimmer of joy cracked through the darkness, thanks to eleven brilliantly lit festive replicas courtesy of #HolidaysonFifth.
Nine of the ten pieces have plaques with words of cheer.
These words lifted me to a different time when all was merry and fun. These lighted replicas cracked the darkness just enough to make me smile and feel hopeful for 2021. Here is a sample of what I saw.
Fantasies Afloat
“Near SW corner of W55 Street far above Fifth Avenue,
Floats someone with a gift for you. They wave down from a big balloon, lit by the glow of a full moon.” (Near SW corner of W55 Street)
Christmas Cab
“What festive fun we’re sure to have while in our cab on Fifth Avenue shop windows sparkle in the night below as show of dancing light…” (SE corner Fifth and 58 Street. Plaza Hotel and the Grand Army Plaza Menorah in background)
Trove of Treasure
“The Toy Box is a wondrous way to get to places far away
Enchanted forests, carpet flightsdeep sea journeys, shining knights….”(SE corner of Fifth and 59 Street)
Magic Landing
“The Toy Box is a wondrous way to get to places far away with enchanted forests, carpet flights, deep sea journeys, shining knights….”(SE corner of Fifth and 59 Street)
Photo credit: Rudi Papiri
The End
