This is Christmas

We've reached the season of Christmas. It was kicked off as it has been since 1924 by the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The balloons, the celebrities, the street performers were all there, but we all know there's really only one reason why we watch the parade; to see the man at the end. The world's most beloved soul, that magical being of Santa Claus, came riding down the streets of New York City on his magical red sleigh, with his dear reindeer leading the way. Thousands lined the streets and millions more tuned in on TV to see St. Nicholas, to be inspired by his cheer.

There's truly nothing like Christmas in New York. It can be a dingy, grey city, full of life and the buzz of millions doing their own routines. But, come Christmas, the city transforms. There's lights up and down Fifth Avenue. The ice rinks are filled with decorative skaters. There's a refreshing crisp bite to the air that makes you dream of sipping cocoa or sitting in warm pubs with friends. People transform. They're bright, they're kind. That's not to say New Yorkers aren't kind, but there's just a different lightness upon the air. The extra effort to smile at one another is made with almost every encounter. A good friend of mine in New York who is Muslim once told me that Christmas was his favorite time of year because everyone got along. This year, this Christmas let us carry that cheer, that warmth, that peace in our hearts with jubilant and joyous cries. Help your neighbors, help strangers. Extend hands to those you might not have before. Think of the pink-cheeked Santa riding up and down the streets of New York, bringing hope and glee to the children. Think of that lightness he brings to the city. Let your children know that he is real because he exists in our hearts. It is the love of Santa that we must share with our little ones this year and that, dear Readers, like the streets of New York, will also fill you with Santa's sweet cheer.

Until next time...

Your humble author,
S. Faxon