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.
Located just outside of the village, and across an ancient, one-lane bridge, is the small Chesterville Cemetery. It is in this secluded graveyard that a traveler can find a "witch's grave". The story goes that it once belonged to a young woman who was regarded as a witch in the community. Her ghost is rumored to still appear nearby.
Most of the remaining residents of the town are of the Amish and Mennonite faiths, religious orders that shun the use of electricity and modern conveniences. Since that time, the witch has allegedly appeared to passersby and visitors to the cemetery, although thanks to the tree, she is confined to the area around her grave.
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.
The Stories Behind These 10 Gravestones In West Virginia Will Give You Nightmares
Tammy loves life in West Virginia and couldn't imagine raising her three children anywhere else.She loves the simple life and believes that the key to a happy life is simplifying! She is an author, who enjoys living outside the box and coloring outside of the lines.
The Mountain State has many ghost stories, many of which are based on haunted gravestones. The long dead are said to haunt the cemeteries at night, unable to rest in peace. If you’re fascinated by graveyards in West Virginia, look no further – we’ve got a list of 10 gravestones in West Virginia that are sure to haunt your dreams!
1. Witch's Grave (Highland Cemetery, Mannington)This infamous grave marks the final resting place of a supposed witch who went by many names. Alternately known as Zelda, Sarah Jane, or simply the Witch of Highland, but her tombstone is marked Serilda Jane Whetzel. She died in 1909 and the first odd thing you’ll notice about her grave marker is that it faces away from the direction of every other grave in the cemetery, a little creepy! Like many gravestones, hers features a staircase. Generally these show a rise towards heaven, but Serlinda Jane’s seems to descend downward into a demon’s mouth. Legend has it that she and a male companion (a warlock?) are often seen cavorting around her grave.
2. Weeping Woman (Riverview Cemetery, Parkersburg)Parkersburg is famous for being the first site in which the Union invaded the Confederacy during the Civil War, and so as you’d expect, there are many historical stories swirling about the town. The Weeping Lady is a forlorn statue located near the graves of Confederate general Stonewall Jackson’s family. According to legend, during a full moon, the Weeping Lady will stand up and walk all around the cemetery, weeping over the graves of soldiers. She has become a mascot of sorts for the area, and small trinkets and gifts are often left at the statue.
Advertisement 3. Captain Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield (Cap Hatfield Cemetery, Stirrat)The Hatfield and McCoy tale is so famous that it’s almost become synonymous with familial feuds. The Hatfield Cemetery includes a life-sized monument of "Devil Anse," marking his final resting place. According to legend, on foggy nights the spectres of Devil Anse and his six sons can be seen rising from their graves and marching together towards Island Creek. They are said to stop upon reaching the river, and then the ghost of friend and minister "Uncle Dyke" Garrett arises and baptizes them in the water, washing away their sins.
Advertisement 4. Greenbrier Ghost (U.S. Highway 60, Sam Black Church)Elva Zona Hester-Shue, more famously known as the Greenbrier Ghost, died suddenly in 1897. According to legend, her ghost appeared to her mother and confided in her that her husband Erasmus had brutally killed her. Elva’s mother repeatedly went to the police, but they didn’t believe the ravings of a mourning mother. Eventually, Elva’s body was exhumed and the medical examiner discovered that she was covered in bruises and had a broken neck and crushed windpipe. The evidence was used against her husband in his trial and he was convicted for murder. This is the only known case in history in which testimony from a ghost was used in a murder trial!
5. Devil's Baby (Ravenswood Cemetery, Jackson County)Legend has it, the Devil’s baby is buried at a cemetery in Jackson County! The grave belongs to George Elwood Sharp, a two year old who passed away in July of 1917. The grave is marked with an image of a little lamb and underneath is a creepy-looking portrait of young George. The photo was placed onto the grave by a process in which a picture is burned onto a porcelain tile. George’s grave has been weathered unevenly and his portrait has grown discolored so that it looks like the image is of a baby with no eyes, fangs, and horns. The portrait glows in the dark and if you are brave enough to visit the grave in the night, many say you can even hear a baby cry.
A tent grave consists of two long thin slabs, propped against two triangular end caps, often with a headstone and footstone, although I’ve seen some simpler variations that don’t have the headstone and footstone.
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 "Magical Moments: Creating Memorable Christmas Experiences in New York"
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.