A Magical New York Christmas There is something undeniably special about spending Christmas in New York City. The city that never sleeps transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with festive decorations adorning every street and the air filled with holiday cheer. From the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to the ice-skating rinks and holiday markets, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy during this magical time of the year. One of the most iconic symbols of Christmas in New York is the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Towering over the surrounding buildings, the tree is a sight to behold with its thousands of twinkling lights and beautiful ornaments. It has become a tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike to gather around the tree, take pictures, and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Honour this time of year by channelling your witchy vibes and adorn your best outfit and decorate yourself with beautiful things.
The apple is also particularly special to Pagans in general as it represents, amongst many other things, life, immortality and wholeness but it is especially important at the time of fruit harvest. The Wheel of the Year is turning and for many people, this means the descent into those dreary darker months cue colder weather more unpredictable than usual , darker nights and leaves falling fast.
It has become a tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike to gather around the tree, take pictures, and enjoy the holiday spirit. Ice-skating is another cherished holiday activity in New York City. The Central Park ice rink offers a picturesque setting with the park's snowy landscape as a backdrop.
Wiccan festival on September 21
The Wheel of the Year is turning and for many people, this means the descent into those dreary darker months – cue colder weather (more unpredictable than usual), darker nights and leaves falling fast!
But it is also a wondrous time of year for those that follow the seasons as we approach our Autumn Equinox; Mabon. (September 21st-22nd)
The festival is named after the God Mabon found in Welsh mythology, and this festival is one of the eight Wiccan sabbats celebrated throughout the year and marks a very special time for those that follow Pagan traditions.
This time marks the moment when the year is in perfect balance, night and day are equal and equilibrium; the forces of male and female are in balance as are light and dark and it is a very special time to truly take a breath and see what you have achieved and gained throughout the year. Also to release the things that are no longer of use to us, just as the stubble from the corn harvest is left in the fields.
We are also teetering on the brink of transition. From this moment on the year is waning and darkness is being to defeat the light. The sun is fading just as the Green Man is dying and preparing to be reborn, and the Autumn Goddess is full and blooming with the fruits of our labours. It is the fruit harvest and a time for great thanks and, of course, for feasting!
How to celebrate
Firstly, the best way to celebrate any Pagan festival is to party! But there are also other ways to honour Mabon.
Reap what you sow is definitely an important mantra during this period and it is the ideal time to reflect on the hopes and aspirations of the previous seasons to see how they have manifested.
The natural world is showing signs of decline, slowing down and ready for the deep sleep of winter. And we should do the same! This is the best time to do your clearing out, collecting the best produce for the colder season and wholly enjoying what nature has to offer.
Baking and cooking of all kinds is definitely a way to honour this season especially with apples, pears, damsons and fruit and berries of autumn. Lavish and delicious meals are welcome and enjoyed at this time but always remember to leave an offering of each item as a blessing.
The iconic symbol of Mabon is the Cornucopia (horn of plenty) which represents the balance of both male and female and is shown in the image above of the wicker vessel spilling the plentiful harvest.
The apple is also particularly special to Pagans in general as it represents, amongst many other things, life, immortality and wholeness but it is especially important at the time of fruit harvest. Cut an apple in half lengthways to decorate your home or altar and you will see the five-pointed star in the centre of the core – this is symbolic of the elements earth, air, fire, water and spirit.
As well as your environment, it is also appropriate to dress up yourself!
Honour this time of year by channelling your witchy vibes and adorn your best outfit and decorate yourself with beautiful things.
The two pieces from Alchemy below are just perfect to add to your ritual dress or gothic attire – the symbolic Goddess (top) piece represents the triple moon and elemental forces, and the Sin Horned God (below) is her consort; very fitting for celebrating Mabon as a balanced pair!
I hope your harvest is bountiful and your celebrations joyous!
This article was originally posted at rosejekylle333.blogspot.com. It is republished here with permission from the original author.
This entry was posted on Monday, September 20th, 2021 in History and Folklore.
Skating enthusiasts of all ages can glide across the ice, feeling the brisk winter air on their faces, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Other popular ice-skating rinks include the rink at Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park. New York City's holiday markets are a great place to find unique gifts and indulge in delicious treats. The Union Square Holiday Market, Bryant Park Winter Village, and Columbus Circle Holiday Market are just a few examples of the many markets that pop up throughout the city during the holiday season. Visitors can browse through various stalls selling handmade crafts, artwork, clothing, and jewelry. They can also sample a wide array of culinary delights, from traditional holiday treats like gingerbread and hot chocolate to international cuisine from all over the world. A stroll through the city's neighborhoods is an essential part of experiencing Christmas in New York. The streets are adorned with festive lights, wreaths, and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere. Fifth Avenue is particularly famous for its extravagant window displays, with stores like Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman showcasing their creativity and holiday spirit through elaborate and enchanting scenes. Visiting the Radio City Christmas Spectacular is another must-do during the holiday season. The Rockettes put on a dazzling performance with their precision dance routines and dazzling costumes. From the high kicks to the glamorous outfits, the show is a true spectacle that captures the essence of the holiday season. Christmas in New York City is a truly enchanting experience. It is a time when the hustle and bustle of the city comes to a halt, and people come together to celebrate the joy and magic of the season. Whether it is ice-skating in Central Park, admiring the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, or browsing through the holiday markets, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The city becomes a playground of lights, sounds, and flavors that will leave visitors with memories to cherish for years to come..
Reviews for "Spectacular Holiday Lights: Illuminating New York City during Christmas"
1. Susan - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "A Magical New York Christmas". The plot was thin and predictable, and the characters lacked depth. The whole movie felt rushed, and I couldn't connect with any of the characters or their stories. The acting was also subpar, with some scenes feeling forced and unnatural. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable and underwhelming Christmas movie.
2. Michael - 1 star
"A Magical New York Christmas" was a complete waste of time. The story was incredibly cliche and offered nothing new or interesting. The acting was wooden and unconvincing, making it hard to invest in the characters or their journey. Additionally, the dialogue was filled with cheesy lines that made me cringe. I was really hoping for a heartwarming and festive film, but this one missed the mark completely.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "A Magical New York Christmas", but it fell flat for me. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, with no real meaningful development. The romance between the main characters was also lackluster, lacking chemistry and believability. The movie tried too hard to be a feel-good Christmas film, but it just didn't hit the mark. I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a captivating and well-executed holiday movie.