Haul Out the Holly

I’ve noticed outdoor Christmas décor appearing earlier than ever this year. While the recent trend line has been moving in this direction, the wild and woolly 2020 has established a new standard…and why wouldn’t it? Yes, we need a little Christmas, right this very minute. But, first, let’s enjoy a heaping helping of Thanksgiving…even if it is one unlike any other. Despite the myriad warnings, millions of people apparently believe that there’s no place like home for the holidays.

We actually do have a few things to be thankful for this year. For starters, an initial vaccine is debuting in a couple of weeks. That’s encouraging news. And by hook or by crook, Donald Trump will be a private citizen in less than two months. His Keystone-Cop legal team has just about shot its last round of blanks. Historian Michael Beschloss asked on Twitter today for suggestions on a city for the Donald Trump Presidential Library. Columnist Jonah Goldberg offered “Atlantic City.” Works for me.

I am pretty much tired of politicians in general, including my Emmy Award winning governor, who received flack when it was revealed he would be hosting his eighty-nine-year-old mother and two daughters for Thanksgiving. I believe the invitation to his mother—at least—has since been rescinded. I presume Andrew Cuomo gets tested for COVID regularly. So, why would a gathering of four people wearing masks and practicing social distancing cause such a stir? It’s the sanctimonious politician ricochet rule at play. Okay, enough of all that…

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

 

The Big Balls are back in town...

And Radio City Music Hall has, at least, turned on its lights for the season...

"The place is here...the time is now..." But this too shall pass.

"How lovely are thy branches..."

I'm surprised the powers-that-be didn't settle for just the felt banner this year...

They come in boxes, too: the Rockefeller Center Christmas decorations. 

The steam pipes are beginning to belch for the season. Always a welcome sight.

If you're visiting the big city this year: Here's a restaurant/tongue twister near Rockefeller Center to consider.

No, they don't...

If nuts are your thing, you really can't beat New York City in wintertime...

Pandemic or no pandemic: The show must go on...

Granted, it's not the Lunt-Fontanne...

My camera just won't take a clear picture of it...

"Neon signs a-flashing...taxi cabs and buses passing..."

In 1980, New York Mets shortstop Frank Taveras said, "Ding happen." He was right.

There were some visitors in and around Rockefeller Center and Times Square this weekend, but, then again, too few to mention.

Every discarded wig in a Manhattan bike lane has a story to tell...

(Photos from the personal collection of Nicholas Nigro)