Any time of year is a good time to visit New York, but Christmas is magical. And it may sound cliché, but it's true. New York at Christmas is especially magical. Maybe it's the movies, maybe it's real magic. If there's one thing that represents New York Christmas, it's the tree in Rockefeller Center presiding over that wonderful ice rink that invites you to skate even if you've never skated in your life.
What is the history of the Rockefeller Center tree?
Let's take a look at a bit of history, which you know I love. The first tree was put up in 1931. Far from being what it is today, this tradition was born from the idea of the workers who were working on the construction of the complex. These were difficult years for a country trying to emerge from the Great Depression of 1929 and I suppose the need to forget the economic problems and enjoy the Christmas spirit pushed the workers to bring a tree, decorate it with ornaments from their own homes. In 1932, I don't know why, the workers didn't put up their tree, but they resumed the custom in 1933 and from then until today, it has never missed its date. More than 21 metres high and 50,000 lights to light up Christmas for New Yorkers and tourists. Even the Second World War could not stop the most famous Christmas tree in the world and, although the idea was much more austere and instead of one big tree they put up three smaller and barely decorated ones, New Yorkers did not lack a place to go to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
What happens to the tree after Christmas?
The well-known tree is donated to Habitat for Humanity. Once the festive season is over, the lights are turned off and tourists and locals turn their minds to the upcoming holidays, the tree is removed and its wood is recycled to make wooden slats that will build houses for the underprivileged. Solidarity housing and a real Christmas present for many people. Once removed, the Rockefeller Center tree continues to brighten the lives of many people.
La Newyorkina wishes you Merry Christmas
If you are in New York for Christmas, lucky you! If not, from Newyorkina we hope you enjoy these days as you like, among friends, family and, in short, surrounded by lots of love, affection and good vibes. Of course, be careful with excesses at the table and remember, if you overdo it, you can always compensate with
a dinner of a healthy bowl of yoghurt and granola while watching one of those Christmas movies set in New York, under the tree in Rockefeller Center.
