Holidays: Ups and Downs

Walking along 50th Street yesterday, I wondered what blogs usually do at this time of year.  My relationship with November/December has always been ambivalent.  Recall delightful times caroling with friends as a teen (remember that word) in St. Louis.

My first Christmas season in New York City after college I was busy but lonely.  My family decided air fare back to the Midwest was too costly.  And beyond my own budget from a weekly salary of $50.  I was a Section Manager in the Basement of the now-defunct, Gimbel's Department Store, once famous as Macy's nearby rival.

As time went by, I often had a good time during holidays; the pleasure increased once I married, had children.  There was, of course, the familiar angst of acculturated Jewish families like ours:  what and how to celebrate.  These questions always operate within the larger commercial culture.  That was in full force on 50th Street as I walked toward Fifth Avenue alongside street vendors.

The weather had turned especially cold.  I was dressed for my destination, the weekly vigil by Grandmothers Against the War at Rockefeller Center, between 49th and 50th Streets.  Do you have flannel-lined jeans?  My three pairs are in constant circulation since moving back to the City.  In Baltimore, I was in a car more; here I'm walking--one reason cities are favored by many retirees:  "natural" exercise. 

Nydia, who went on the Granny Bus Tour this summer, was already in deep exchange when I arrived.  Note her button, War IS Terrorism.  Our line of sign-bearing old ladies always surprises people who are taking pictures-- illuminated snowflakes at Saks across the street and the lighted angels you can see in the background.  Some of them are a surprise to us!

Holiday visitors tip --Until December 31, the City offers, thanks to commerce, a clean, free bathroom in Times Square.  See all about Charmin Tissue's gift-- in living color at The Gothamist, a blog with other info about the City.  This time-limited event is also celebrated in a raunchy You Tube musical tribute.            

While we are away for a workshop week in North Carolina, please entertain yourself with this video, THE SHEEPDOG AND THE MAYOR -- works best in full screen. The dog, the kids, the Mayor, the protesters in Union Square say it all about the Big Apple--the good, the hilarious, and the awful. 

Just forwarded to me by the filmmaker, Liza Bear.  She's producing another about efforts to Preserve Washington Square Park.  Is it too "retro" to want to hold onto nature in our public spaces?   Let me know what you think, please.

Comments

[Rhea]

I remember Gimbel's! I grew up in NJ about 45 minutes from NYC and went there often. We bought our winter coats in the Garment District and visited the Lower East Side and other fun stuff.

[susannah]

I think green spaces in cities are absolutely essential. For awhile, I lived in a city of 2 million with just one small park - and you weren't even allowed on the grass. There were hardly any birds in the entire city! I think cities should try to incorporate as many green spaces as they can, even if they're small. Living in a city is wonderful, but trees and flowerboxes and a place for a picnic make it better.

[MotherPie]

Hmmmmm. I wonder, too, what blogs do this time of year! I was getting in the holiday spirit by admiring all of the window displays today. I thought: this could make good blog stuff!!! And anyway, I entertained myself for several hours just looking.