Miracle on 34th Street

Many streeets in New York have been converted to "al fresco" rest spots.

Throughout the holidays the sea of shoppers, visitors and fun seekers in New York City can be seen from blocks away. The streets are lit up with enough lights to power a small village. Shops decorate their windows with creative and eye catching themes. Santas with their bells a-ringing, can be seen about town. It always looks like a very Merry Christmas! A trek to the city is warranted, here I go! Traffic will be murder, so I'll take the ferry.

Lower Manhattan skyline, as seen from Staten Island Ferry.

 Once there, I'll go to Macy's department store. It's been awhile since I go to visit all the holiday sights. Last year at this time I was just out of the hospital and couldn't partake of all the festivities around town. Let's see how far I can go without getting exhausted!

Macy's on 34th St., NYC.

Street Park.

Believe....

Letters to Santa.

I'll take one of each, thank you.

Tote bag.

Lots of giant presents!

Inside Santa Land.

Empir State Building Display.

An entrance to the store. Almost as big as my first floor!

Giant wreath around giant clock.......hmmm, good idea for small version at home.

Giant chandelier. Imagine this at home! Too fancy for me, a much smaller one would do fine.

Virginia writing to "The Sun" editor.

The editor of "the Sun.

100 colors were used to create window display.

Macy's is home to New York City's most famous holiday window. Part of this years display was inspired by the animated special, "Yes, Virginia, There Really Is a Santa Claus." It is made up entirely of paper and took 35 weeks to create. Computer technology moves the sets.
Virginia O' Hanlon, born in 1889 in Manhattan, NY, was an 8 year old girl who wrote to the New York Sun newspaper asking if there really was a Santa Claus. The editor's reply included the line, "Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus, he exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exists". It has become popular Christmas folklore in the U.S. and Canada.

In 1947 the movie, "Miracle On 34th Street", depicted a Macy's Santa Claus as Kris Kringle. With its message of hope, the movie is a favorite at this time of year.

As the theme of the year is "Believe"......I have chosen to believe that I had a miracle. I have lived this past year after being given a new chance at life and I thank my Creator for it!
Beside being healthy, be joyous and full of love and generosity and devotion. That's what Santa and Christmas is all about after all.

Yes, Virginia, there really is a Santa Claus! Merry Christmas!

Theme sign outside Macy's.

       I'm exhausted! I'll take the train to the ferry now, whew!