South Street Seaport, NYC on a Christmas Night

NYCity Mama was more excited about Christmas, it seemed, than anyone else in her home this morning, more so even than the kids.  It took her forever to fall asleep as she thought about the several boxes her husband had placed with her name on them underneath the tree.  She thought about the excitement on her boys’ faces when they opened their gifts, and what she knew would be her husband’s joy when he discovered the $200 she had rolled up in the packaging of the $12 nose hair trimmer he asked her for.  His only Christmas gift request.  Her excitement was almost unbearable, but some how she managed to fall asleep.

When her 3 and 2 year old crawled up into their bed at 3am as they often do, she hoped that they would stay up and demand to open gifts, but instead they curled up, one with her and the other with his daddy, and they both fell asleep.  She couldn’t this time, and when she noticed the faint glare of morning light peeping through her bedroom window she began to stir up her little ones. “Wake up!” she whispered, “Santa came! He put presents under the tree for you!”  The boys stirred.  Her husband lifted his head, looked at her through sleepy eyes and smiled.  ”Wake up!  Oh my goodness! Soooo many presents!” she continued.  The 3 year old mumbled, “No, sleep.” The 2 year old just said, “No!” 

She couldn’t believe it!  Kids who sleep through Christmas morning.  ”What has this World come to?” she thought.  So she sat up on the bed, and like a child, sulked at the thought of having to wait two or three more hours till wake up time.  Only on Christmas morning would this be a problem for her…and only on Christmas morning would this even happen.  

But her husband, sensing her eagerness, began to rub the babies and whisper in their ears until both boys, rubbing their eyes, got out of bed and walked out to the living room to stare at the empty plate of cookies “Santa” had eaten, and the gifts he had left behind.  Soon after, her 11 year old joined them and they opened gifts, took pictures, and started playing with their new gadgets and toys, before getting hungry, and thinking about breakfast.

The day in general was lazy and spent at home.  Kids playing with toys, or video games.  Mama figuring out her new camera, and daddy reading or watching tv, both often taking turns calling loved ones far away.  

Mama was loving the city today, because even from home she could sense the wonderfulness of spending the holiday season in New York City.  Though rarely will you see a white Christmas here, what you will sense is something almost as great: a city almost all your own.  With the sudden migration of New Yorkers to cities a lot warmer, families members a lot further, or just any other place that’s not here, one can really walk around and feel a sense of calm in the air.  And though it is the energy and vibrance of the city that Mama loves so much, she does enjoy these rare moments of peace and quiet as she walks along the streets, and in the parks, through stores, and down blocks.  It’s nice, even if just for a moment. Because of course, it is inevitable that at some point you will find the crowds, mostly tourists, and the festivities of the day, happening at one place or another.

NYCity Mama and her family did venture out into the city, but not until the sun that had been shining all day long finally moved on and gave way to the moonlight.  And they decided to visit the Christmas tree at the South Street Seaport and take in the views before her favorite day of the year was officially over.

One often hears about the marvelous Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center.  It’s beauty cannot be denied, with the ceremonial lighting each year ushering the beginning of the Christmas gift giving season.  The ice skating rink is probably the most visited in the city, surrounded by numerous crowds, restaurants, and shops galore.  These are all things Mama visits each year, more than once to be precise, but she also enjoys the other locations, just as great, and twice as nice, especially if forcefully rubbing shoulders with strangers is just not your thing.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

The kids were happy to get out of the apartment.  The breeze was cold once they arrive to South Street.  It was perfect.  The streets are empty.  Couples slowly walk by, smiling and holding hands.  Children run around on the empty cobble stone streets, peeking into the festive holiday windows and closed store fronts.  The Christmas tree stood tall and proud, with the empty microphone stands of the Holiday Chorus that had performed there the night before.

South Street Seaport Tree

 

They walk across the street onto the empty pier.  The festive lights decorating the docked boats glistened on the still waters of the East River.  The night sky was glimmering with millions of stars, putting to rest the myth that one can never enjoy starry nights in this wonderful city.

Mama took a deep breath of the fresh winter air and though she new every corner of the pier by heart, she recorded each second with her knew camera as her boys ran about, posed for pictures, tried counting stars, and stared at the Brooklyn Bridge’s beauty at night.

There was festive holiday music playing in the hidden speakers throughout, but no food to eat, no shops to explore into.  Moat restaurants had closed moments before their arrival, which was fine by them.  It is one of those wonderful places that can be peacefully appreciated, if you know when to go.

And for NYCity Mama and her family, this was the perfect time.   To be able to enjoy a piece of their city, on this beautiful Christmas night, without the hustle and bustle of everyone else.  It was the perfect ending to a series of hectic days that led to a morning full of surprises and excitement.  

The boys, Mama, and her husband sat along the dock a bit longer before someone mentioned the word “pizza”.  With this, and a sudden hunger, they all got up, and took one last look at the city lights before happily making their way back home.

 

Tags: Holidays, nyc, shops
Posted in Date Night, Performances/Events/Charities | 5 Comments »