By Olivia Hernandez ‘26
“Somewhere between living and dreaming, there’s New York.” –Ika Natassa
Christmas is more than a holiday to most; it’s a time where people can enjoy friends, family, and love alongside the bustle of the holidays. Personally, when I think of Christmas, I think of the color. I think of the lights and the hecticness. When I think of the holidays, I think of New York City.
The history behind this beloved holiday in New York City is simple. It’s a way to bring the city together in hopes of sharing its undeniable, radiating beauty. Christmas became a holiday celebrated in New York City as early as the seventeenth century, even when the English Protestant group, known as the Puritans, sought to ban the magic in the midst of their attempted church reformation. The strongest, most lively traditions hold court on the very streets of New York City. Over time, the city became one of many exciting symbols of Christmas.
One of the most beloved traditions of New York City is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. For more than eight decades, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree has stood, tall and lively, in the heart of the city, Manhattan. The tree may change every year, but the joy it brings remains the same. The experience of seeing those lights and admiring its beauty is ineffable. Another amazing opportunity lies within the tree! I would totally recommend taking some time for ice skating around the center. The history of this tree lies in the hands of the people who chose to share the love of Christmas with the beautiful city of New York.
A New York Christmas can lie in the simple act of visiting the amazing city. You don’t have to participate in the most extravagant activities or eat the fanciest meals to have a fabulous time in New York City. This fact only becomes more true when Christmas rolls around. Simply strolling around the city and taking in the bustle is enough to make your holiday heart happy. I recommend taking a moment to look at the beautiful Rockefeller tree if anything because nothing says Christmas like a beautiful Christmas tree.
Personally, I’ve never felt true love for a city until I stepped into New York. Wintertime in New York is, of course, impossible to beat, but any trip to that amazing city is an entire experience on its own. If you have the chance to ever visit the city of New York, I could not recommend it more. The smallest of trips to the city will seem like the largest of possibilities. With Christmas right around the corner, I think it’s in good spirit that I give this fabulous city the credit it is due. I wish everyone a truly happy holiday and the chance to hopefully, at least once in their life, experience a New York Christmas.