Arriving in New York City during the holiday season feels like stepping into a magical winter wonderland. The entire city transforms into a festive spectacle, with twinkling lights, towering Christmas trees, and a sense of joy in the air. One of the iconic sights is the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, a massive tree adorned with thousands of lights and crowned with a sparkling Swarovski star. People from all over the world gather around to witness the tree lighting ceremony, a tradition that dates back to 1933. The atmosphere is electric, as live performances and celebrity appearances add to the excitement. Walking through the bustling streets, one cannot help but be captivated by the sight of elaborately decorated storefronts.
But this sense of enchantment was still there, waiting patiently to be remembered. It was stored in my muscle memory and written between the lines of the stories I knew, the facts I relied on. Any one of us could find it. We only need to resolve to be fascinated again by the intrinsically fascinating, to be awed by the undeniable grandeur of the observable universe.
Ashamed, we make a subtraction from the ledger of our lives and go on to spend January already one of the dreariest months of the year trying to convince ourselves that we re better off without all of life s little pleasures. Amidst a growing trend to downplay hardships and be constantly upbeat and cheery, May suggests that periods of sadness can be really helpful and satisfying in a way that isn t jolly or necessarily very presentable to the outside world.
Walking through the bustling streets, one cannot help but be captivated by the sight of elaborately decorated storefronts. The famous department stores, such as Macy's and Bloomingdale's, go all out with their window displays, showcasing imaginative scenes and captivating decorations. Each store tries to outdo the others, creating a festive competition that adds to the charm of the season.
Wintering and enchantment: A pathway to healing and happiness
“I've always been very drawn to getting into the sea,” says writer Katherine May. “ It's not about exercise, it's about entering this very different space … this very different sensory landscape, the sound is different, your skin is touching water all over and there's a sense of sort of spaciousness that I find in the sea, but also this contact with enormous energy and feeling small compared to it.” Photo of Katherine May swimming off the coast of England. Photo courtesy of Katherine May.
Jonathan Bastian talks with Katherine May, British writer and author of “Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times,” about her love of winter, cold weather, and what the dark months mean to her. “Wintering is the idea that all of us have periods in our life that are downtimes — times when we feel forcibly cut off from the outside world,” says May. “It might come from a personal crisis, a divorce, a loss of a job, a mental or physical illness, a bereavement, God forbid a pandemic, and it takes us down for a while. Every one of us has had that experience of watching the outside world carry on as normal and feeling like we're uniquely cut off from it that everybody else is fine.” As depressing as it may sometimes feel, “wintering" is something we all need, both physically and psychologically. Plants and creatures of the natural world lay fallow and hibernate, while for most of us the winter months give us a chance to retreat indoors, lay low, and slow down. Amidst a growing trend to downplay hardships and be constantly upbeat and cheery, May suggests that “periods of sadness can be really helpful and satisfying in a way that isn't jolly or necessarily very presentable to the outside world. There's this purity to the emotion that feels sometimes right for us, we need to feel it.” The dark days of winter, she says, offer a place of stillness and a time to embrace solace, sadness, and our darker emotions. May’s new book, “Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age,” evolved from her discoveries whilst writing “Wintering.” She wondered how, in times of solitude and sadness, beauty and wonder is reignited. As the pandemic lockdown lifted, May found that small moments of curiosity and fascination became sources of joy and magic — the moon, a hibernating dormouse, and plunging into the cold English waters. “It's something we very deliberately grow out of actually. We reach an age where that sense that the world has latent magic in it, that's there waiting for us to discover, becomes embarrassing and it's not the business of the rational, busy world, and it's not the business of an adult,” May says. “And yet, there also comes a point when we begin to miss that — we lose our skill for feeling that intense engagement with things that we find beautiful and utterly fascinating.” Delve deeper into life, philosophy, and what makes us human by joining the Life Examined discussion group on Facebook.
In “Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age,” author Katherine May says “whatever you've come to see is an intense engagement and a deep quality of attention that doesn't get replicated by accident. And so whatever you bring that quality of attention to, it will show you something, even if it's not Instagrammable.” “We’ve forgotten about the important work that happens in the darker months,” says author Katherine May. “Those months are about restoration, they're about repair, they're about reflection.” Photo by Alexa Loy Dent
Credits
Guest:
- Katherine May - Writer; author - @katherinemay_
SKP-S Chengdu by Nick Kuratnik
Ice skating is a popular activity in New York City, and during Christmas time, it becomes even more enchanting. Several outdoor rinks, such as the one at Rockefeller Center and Central Park, provide the perfect backdrop for gliding on the ice amidst the city's surreal skyline. Families and friends gather together, enjoying the exhilaration of the cold air and the magic of the moment. Another must-see attraction is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, featuring the famous Rockettes. The precision and elegance of their high kicks and synchronized dance routines leave audiences in awe. With dazzling costumes, festive music, and Santa Claus himself making an appearance, this show embodies the spirit of Christmas in New York City. Holiday markets pop up all over the city, offering a wide array of unique gifts and delicious treats. The Union Square Holiday Market and the Bryant Park Winter Village are among the most popular. Locals and tourists weave through the stalls, browsing handmade crafts, sampling sweet treats, and sipping on warm beverages like hot chocolate or mulled cider. It is the perfect place to find that one-of-a-kind gift for a loved one. Central Park transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. The famous park is blanketed in snow, creating a picturesque scene straight out of a fairytale. Visitors can take romantic carriage rides through the park, admiring the beauty of nature and the tranquility of the moment. Snowball fights and building snowmen are a common sight as families enjoy the magical atmosphere. In the evenings, the city's skyline comes alive with dazzling light displays. From the Empire State Building to Times Square, buildings and billboards twinkle and flash with festive colors. Taking a walk through the vibrant streets, surrounded by the city's glimmering lights, is a truly mesmerizing experience. New York City during Christmas is a place where dreams come true. The enchanting sights, the festive traditions, and the joyous atmosphere all combine to create an unforgettable holiday experience. Whether it is ice skating under the stars or marveling at the incredible decorations, a magical New York Christmas is an experience that will be cherished forever..
Reviews for "Celebrate the Holidays in Style: New York's Luxury Christmas Experiences"
1. Emily - 1 star
I have to say that I was extremely disappointed with "A Magical New York Christmas." The story felt incredibly cliché and the characters were one-dimensional. The protagonist, Lucy, seemed like a carbon copy of every other young, naive woman in Christmas romance novels. The plot was predictable from start to finish, and I found myself bored halfway through. The writing style was also lackluster, lacking in depth and emotion. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique and engaging holiday read.
2. John - 2 stars
I was really hoping for a heartwarming and magical Christmas story with "A Magical New York Christmas," but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The characters were forgettable and the plot felt contrived. The author attempted to incorporate too many Christmas tropes without adding any originality or depth to the story. The romance felt forced and lacked chemistry between the main characters. The pacing was also off, with certain parts dragging on while others were rushed. Overall, I expected much more from this book and was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.
3. Michelle - 2.5 stars
I have mixed feelings about "A Magical New York Christmas." While the setting descriptions were beautifully done, the story itself failed to captivate me. The plot was predictable and lacked any surprises or twists. The main characters, Lucy and Jack, were likable enough, but their relationship felt rushed and lacked development. The dialogue was overly cheesy at times and the conflict resolution felt too easy and convenient. Overall, it was an okay holiday read, but didn't live up to the magical and enchanting story I was hoping for.