The Magic of Christmas on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue - FREE

Commercialism has wrapped its grubby paws around Christmas, tight, and it has been squeezing, hard, for quite some years now. We can get so bushed from shopping and wrapped- up in gift wrapping that the true holiday spirit can be all around us, yet somehow as elusive as the wiliest of specters. Nowhere in the world is the commercialism of Christmas more prevalent than in New York City. Yet, the City is also the one place in the world where you may be filled with the magic and the spirit of Christmas absolutely free. Here are some of my favorite places to go and just soak it all up until your heart is full.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, (50-51st St/5th & Madison Ave): Regardless of your denomination or lack thereof, the Cathedral is an architectural structure of beauty to behold. The moment you pull open its heavy, golden doors you are stricken with awe. Perhaps it is the sheer expanse of the inner, solemn sanctum? Perhaps it is the way the magnificent Gothic arches draw your gaze and refuse to let go? Despite the peaceful, warm glow of the flickering votive candles, you are compelled to travel down the Cathedral’s long, center aisle. Step by step you are aware that you share this revered beauty with the many spirits who visit the Cathedral from all over the world. Once you reach the altar you are momentarily mesmerized for it is a breathtaking vision in gold. Something beckons you to look up, higher and higher, to the very top of the lofty Cathedral ceiling to discover the demure and peaceful surprise that awaits there. The softest of footsteps, as if you are cloud-walking, carry you left until you encounter life-sized statues. It is the Nativity. You continue to feel the expectation, and the spirit, of the empty manger as you exit through the Cathedral’s heavy, golden doors. The hectic street is exactly the same as before you entered St. Patrick’s Cathedral, yet somehow different.