All around the country, Americans are ecstatic about the Christmas season. As soon as Thanksgiving dinner was over and those Black Friday sales started, Christmas was on our minds. For a solid month and a half, all everyone wants is their winter break to start, for their final exams to be finished and for their offices to close. I don’t blame you. Once I had left my school and came home for break, I realized just how awesome and cheerful this time of year is.
Not many people realize how crazy Christmas spirit can actually be. Take it from someone who has experienced Christmas in New York, for the past 18 years. I have seen it all. We are really festive here on Long Island. In fact, it’s not even abnormal to have Christmas lights up until March. Long Island is home to some of the craziest holiday decorators around. There are some towns on both the North Shore and South Shore that actually charge people to view the lights and decorations on their property, because of how proud they are of their art form. These light shows are actually quite spectacular and very, very bright.
The holiday season is great on Long Island, but what I really want to discuss is the Christmas magic that occurs in New York City. New York City is one of the busiest places in the world. Home to millions of people and visited by tons of tourist, the city is always crowded and there’s always things to see or do. With Christmas around the corner, it is only typical of Long Islanders, like myself, and other New Yorkers, who are NOT from the city to join the trend and visit our city. We're proud that this city is ours, and knowing that it is ours, it is only expected that we visit to join in the holiday fun.
There are a million things to do and see. There are hundreds of stores to shop for gifts in and many places to just go take pictures of. From the huge, lit up tree and ice skating rink in Rockefeller Center, to the biggest Macy’s in the world where children can go sit on Santa’s lap, there are many attractions you don’t want to miss.
While those attractions are great and exciting, there are some other Christmas festivities in the city that not many outsiders are aware of.
Right around the corner from Rockefeller Center is Radio City Music Hall, home of the Rockettes. You can grab some tickets and take the family to go see these girls in the Christmas Spectacular show, which plays from December to January.
Another thing you can take your family to is Toys R Us, in Times Square, for some shopping. This store is going to close after Christmas 2015, so go while you still can! The store is basically Heaven for children of all ages, offering millions of toys for boys and girls alike.
One last place you can stop is on the “Red Steps” in Times Square. Go all the way to the top and get the best view of Times Square! Not only will you get a great view, but you can really take in how busy the scene actually is. The overwhelming amount of bright lights and billboards is quite breathtaking and one of my personal faves.
