For years, I couldn’t say I was a “Christmas person.” While some eagerly anticipate the holiday season from the moment the calendar turns to January, I’d often found myself struggling to summon the festive spirit, with December instead triggering an annual bout of seasonal blues.
That all changed, however, when I moved to New York City.
The transformation didn’t happen overnight. In fact, my first holiday season in the city, after moving from North Carolina in 2023, was a tough one. I arrived with little more than a suitcase and a vague idea of pursuing a media career in the heart of one of the world’s most expensive cities. With no job and a sense of uncertainty hanging over me, the holiday season felt particularly overwhelming.
But one night, during a stroll through Manhattan, I found myself in front of Macy’s on 34th Street. The festive wreaths adorning the windows and the sounds of holiday music from nearby stores were enough to ignite a spark of warmth in my heart. Amid the bustling crowds, I realized that despite New York’s often harsh realities, this city was where I wanted to be. It was chaotic, yes, but it also felt like home.
By my second Christmas in New York, something had changed. I had secured a job, settled into an apartment, and had found my footing in a city that never stops moving. It was during this time that I also found myself in line for a Mariah Carey concert at Barclays Center, surrounded by excited fans in glittering holiday sweaters. The sheer joy and energy of the crowd reminded me that Christmas wasn’t just about the past—it was about living in the moment and celebrating what was in front of you.
A big part of my newfound holiday spirit is rooted in the city itself. New York during Christmas isn’t just a place; it’s a celebration. Fifth Avenue’s glittering window displays, the towering tree at Rockefeller Center, and the massive wreaths on office buildings all contribute to a sense of magic that permeates the streets. Everywhere you look, there are signs of the season—subway riders clutching shopping bags, cafes playing jazz holiday tunes, and every bar and restaurant adorned with garlands and bows.
Even as someone who once dreaded the holidays, I couldn’t help but be swept up in the beauty around me. New York had a way of making the season feel almost unreal in its splendor.
But beyond the decor and festive lights, what has truly made this holiday season unforgettable are the people I’ve shared it with. In New York, I’ve celebrated with friends, coworkers, and family, including my parents who joined me for Thanksgiving the past two years. This year, my aunt and uncle visited during the first snowfall, adding to the magic of the season. It turns out that Christmas isn’t just about the gifts or the parties—it’s about the people who make the season special.
Of course, I’m not immune to the winter blues. The long nights and biting cold still trigger the occasional wave of sadness. But I’ve come to realize that even in the darkest months, there are always reasons to feel joy. In New York City, those moments of happiness seem especially abundant—displayed in the twinkling lights, the shared laughter of friends, and the magic that’s found in the simplest things.
For me, New York has given Christmas a new meaning. It’s not about the past or what we expect the season to look like—it’s about embracing the here and now, finding beauty in the unexpected, and being open to the magic of the season.
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