New York Christmas

This is the third night of being in Brooklyn. It's Christmas Eve, and not easy to remember the significance of the day in this place.

The important part of Christmastime, however, is continually evident. I am with my family - Jon and Adara and I have been together almost constantly: exploring downtown Manhattan, the Jewish Children's museum, etc. And my brother Ed has opened his home to us. He came down sick this morning, so he's been home more than was originally planned. It's good to have him around more, because that's the reason I came here. The sight-seeing is fun, but there's nothing at all like being with family for the holidays.

So, now that Christmas Eve is finally here, we have taken out the Christmas presents and arranged them in a nice pile. Jon found an umbrella and a tube of wrapping paper, stuck it in a base, and that's our "tree". I'm still toying with the idea of a popcorn chain to make it a little bit more decorative, but I can't decide if it would be an improvement on the fact that our Christmas tree is an umbrella, or would it just emphasize the tackiness of the situation. Anyway, it's going to be a moot point before long. Christmas Eve is practically over, and once Christmas is here, decorating the tree seems rather pointless.

So this is Christmas. I'm happy for a non-traditional Christmas experience, although I wonder whether I should be making more of an effort to remember Christ. It's a challenge here. New York City - too many people in too small of a place. Inside my brother's apartment, it's the same story, only with furniture instead of people. One time since I came here, I have been able to feel quiet for a moment: at dusk in Central Park. But it was freezing outside and we'd been out all day and just wanted to go home.

Yet despite the seemingly negative impact of these things, I've had an enlightening experience. With so many people to observe, there is much that is good to be seen.

At one point today as I found myself alone in a drug store -- well, alone meaning Jon and Adara were not with me, it was 5:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, after all -- I had a moment to ponder. All the people going about their various duties, acknowledging each other in the same way that they acknowledge the shelves in the store. It might seem impersonal, but there is a sense of respect there. We don't just knock into the shelves willy nilly, nor do we push against the other people around us -- when we can help it. In fact, people often make way for others, trying to be as helpful and polite as possible. It brings a sense of hope and a consciousness about the goodness of humanity in general -- perhaps this is the most precious thing I could have experienced for Christmas.

Above it all, it has been a wonderful experience. Three days left to discover and explore. I can't wait.

Merry Christmas.