Looking back on a trip extends the pleasure of travel for us, and that usually happens when we review the photos we took. Oh, sure, we have pics of famous sites — that’s the main thing we come to see. But sometimes another subject surprisingly presents itself when we download pictures to our computer. For our Christmas Holiday NYC — we noted an unexpected theme: trees of New York .
Now why we didn’t expect to see Christmas trees lining neighborhood sidewalks, we don’t know. But we didn’t. In our home state of Tennessee, Christmas trees are sold on large, open lots where firs and pines and spruces are fluffed out and nailed upright in criss-cross board tree stands, ready for purchase.
But in New York, where space is at a premium, trees snug up to one another as they lean against a wall or storefront. And different is good. Christmas comes in many forms, and we love seeing how holidays are celebrated wherever we go. Piles of leaning trees indicate something special to us: city folks love real greenery as much as we do!
We also noted another first-for-us sight: branches and pine cones laid around tree trunks. Love this idea. Why not use greenery to beautify sidewalks and parks? We could do this in our city, too. It’s called recycling!
As you can imagine in a city the size of New York, Christmas tree sightings are frequent. And here are a few of our favorites.
Rockefeller Center — where people took selfies or posed for others. There’s nothing more magical than this iconic tree — it’s the big one, for sure!
Bryant Park — At the top of the ice rink, the tree anchors the space and adds color and cheer.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art — A towering tree of twenty-two cherubs and fifty-five gracefully suspended angels attracted a huge crowd. They were all taking pictures of the tree and the Neapolitan Baroque Creche at the bottom surrounded by shepherds and their flocks, wise men, and adoring townspeople.
The New York Public Library — a floor-to-ceiling tree, elegant and expansive surrounded by a base of branches and pine cones.
And then there were others — random trees that caught my attention at just the right time for me to snap them with an iPhone!
So, yes, Virginia. New York does do trees at Christmas. Lots of trees. From Rockefeller Center to tiny flats — it’s Christmas, and a traditional one at that. Just different!
To read more about Christmas in New York, check out all our posts at Christmas Holiday NYC.
Curt Mekemson
Now that’s where I need to take Peggy at Christmas. She never gets enough of Christmas trees. 🙂 –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
Take her no matter what. NYC is magical at that time of year!
Curt Mekemson
I don’t think I have ever been there at Christmas. I should take both of us. 🙂 –Curt
Sherry Galey
Loved seeing your New York Christmas trees. I love New York and have been there many times but never at Christmas. Looks like fun!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for taking a look, Sherry. The trees were fun to see, especially those in the pop-up sidewalk sales areas. Of course, the decorated ones were over the top! Hope you get there at Christmas sometime.
dawnkinster
Was watching the TODAY show as I was reading posts…coincidentally they were showing the Rockefeller tree at the same time I was reading about it on your post! 🙂 Happy New Year!
Oh, the Places We See
How fun is that! Reading a post and watching the same event. I don’t know when they take that big tree down, but it’s bound to be something to see! Hope you’re enjoying the new year so far.
tappjeanne
I love the ‘trees’ theme, Rusha. And what wonderful ideas for trees at our home and in Knoxville for next year! My mind is spinning with ideas!
Oh, the Places We See
Loved the idea of the creche at the bottom of the Met tree surrounded by all the peasants, animals, etc. Would be lovely in a church, too! Thanks for reading and leaving a note!