The Magic Season

There was a time when I couldn’t wait for this season. Everything in the big city was festive and bright, every street was a showcase, every window dressed to invite you inside. Fifth Avenue is gift wrapped, all the stores sparkle like presents waiting to be opened. Somewhere there are people singing and dancing and making merry. Somewhere in this season there is magic.

This morning I fought with myself to get out of bed and to take in some of the city. I needed to buy a few presents but I don’t like holiday shopping. People get pushy and angry when it comes to finding the gifts they want to buy. they forget the true meaning and spirit of giving. Sometimes being in stores no matter how festive they are creeps me out. Those working are weary of the customers with attitudes and the customers are weary of the hunt for the perfect present. I usually love to shop but this time of year it can take the magic out of the meaning of the season.

So I made it from the house to the train and to the crowded area of 34th Street without incident. There were so many people hunting for that Black Friday weekend bargain without the usual anger that it made me smile. Tourists were spending money and taking pictures and children got excited every time they saw a toy or a toy store. Husbands and wives shared bagels and coffee and couples held hands as they looked at displays. The magic was there even if the cash wasn’t.

And that was the best thing of all, seeing the beginning of real holiday spirit. How many people actually remember when they are shopping that we are about to celebrate the birthday of a religious icon, not the birthday of irrational consumer spending? The spirit of the season does not have to die while looking for a gift you probably can’t afford. The magic of usually selfish human beings sharing the proceeds of their daily labor by purchasing gifts is only surpassed by the kindness that fills the air. Holding doors for each other, offering a smile instead of a curse word when someone steps on your foot, taking the time to stop and smell the cinnamon and pumpkin and pine. Ah, yes it can be magic.

I have spent the past few years not going into the major shopping districts during this season and buying, as most of us do, my gifts on line. Today I got something you can’t get at virtual malls. I got to see people winding down the long weekend with the beginning of their holiday shopping. There were lots of smiles out there, maybe for a bargain maybe for time spent with the family. There was no way to tell except this is a magical season and I plan to enjoy it and people watch as much as I can.  It will incorporate more joy into my soul and I will be able to save some for the cold January and February days of next year.