Festivities in New York City:
A Collection of Post-Pandemic Parties, Outings, and Fun Suggestions by Stephanie Secaira
Light Show at Rockefeller Center
I
can remember visiting the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center as early as fifth grade of elementary school. In freezing 40-degree weather, my dad would pack my family up into his SUV and drive to Midtown Manhattan. However, since it is Manhattan, parking is limited, so we would have to park at least 20 blocks away. Making the trek to Rockefeller Plaza was full of complaints, stops for water at the pharmacy, and sighs of relief once the lights were visible. I distinctly remember when we went during my Junior year of high school, and I dreaded the long walk. My mom and my dad were very excited to go that year because they wanted to take videos from my family back in Ecuador. We all got in the car, snuggling close to each other because the car always takes forever to warm up, especially in the winter. My dad drove off and the trip lasted for about an hour or so. We passed the usual skyline of tall sparkly buildings that usually means we are about to get on the bridge to Manhattan. When the streets get busier, cars and people are louder, and you can’t make out where the length of buildings ends, that is when you know you’re in Manhattan. We found a spot to park, and got out to start the long walk. The crisp cold air turned my cheeks red the second I stepped out of the cozy, warm car. My dad gave me the choice of staying in the car or enduring the walk. THE BULLETIN -
You would think I would be eager to wait in the car, but I knew the end of it would be gratifying. As I walked with my family, my brother sped ahead of us showing off his track skills. My mom walked behind because my dad was also walking at an unreasonable speed, and my sister and I stayed somewhere in the middle near my mom. I enjoyed hearing the snow crunch beneath my feet as I experienced the sleek fashion stores, tall buildings, and my sister’s jokes. However, as we neared halfway through our journey, we began to get tired. It seemed like we would walk and get nowhere. My mom was annoyed, but my dad was optimistic and continued to inspire us to keep walking. His idea of inspiring us was just by saying, “Keep walking or I’ll leave you here.” My feet began to hurt, and I was almost ready to give up. However, in the horizon of people and buildings we began to see the rainbow lights, and it made all our efforts worth it. Nearing the plaza, I saw the familiar gold angels with trumpets and tinsel wrapped at every corner possible. My mom’s favorite part was the light show, so that was where we went first. She pulled out her phone to record every single second.
28 - nov/dec 2021
