Miracle on 34th Street

We’ve had a new baby in our lives this past year, my beautiful granddaughter, Chloe, and I have noticed how her presence has managed to bring out the child in all of us.

For Christmas, we planned a trip to New York City and a stop at Macy’s so that Chloe could see “the real Santa.” My family gathered around the television every year to watch “Miracle on 34th Street,” so we know assuredly that the real guy is at Macy’s Herald Square.

We arrived on 34th street early one Friday afternoon and headed directly to the store's elevator and the 8th floor. On the way up, we shared stories of visits in years past. We giggled in anticipation of seeing the Christmas village decorations and, of course, the jolly old elf himself.

Mrs. Claus was waving to the patient visitors as we took our places in line. We chatted with her and asked her about her cookie baking. Then we were treated to a visit from Virginia of Macy’s story “Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus.” We all waved to Virginia and greeted her with a chorus of hellos. Finally, we boarded a train that rocked and chugged before delivering us to Santaland.

The wait was a quick forty-five minutes that was spent wandering through a Christmas wonderland. We oo-ed and ah-ed when we saw the miniature railroad with its train running up and down several levels. We sang along with the robotic snowmen carolers and danced to the music of the Nutcracker Suite with the dancing bears.

Santa’s helpers pointed us down the winding trail and ultimately to Santa’s workshop. Seated in the center of one room of the workshop was the main guy himself. As we turned the corner, all of the adults chimed in with “Hi, Santa!” Chloe seemed rather impressed with his garb and she was very interested in his beard. We chatted about Christmas and how busy the elves and the Clauses had been. Pictures were snapped and the room was filled with laughter.

We left Santaland giggling and singing. All of the kids, big and small, were grinning as we descended in the elevator on our way to see the decorated windows. There were more oos and ahs as we strolled past each window. The lights of the city had begun to flicker on. This trip to New York during the holidays was different. We were seeing things through Chloe’s eyes and enjoying once again the wonders of the city at Christmas.

I plan this year to continue to look at life through a child’s eyes; to find pleasure in the simplest of things, and to laugh. I invite you to do the same. Happy New Year!