The Beginning of the Christmas Season

                                                 Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting                                                      

  (Tree in front of 30 Rock – skaters below)

The first Christmas Tree lighting at Rockefeller Center was in 1933, when 30 Rockefeller Center opened.  Yes, the same as “30 Rock”!  The first tree was about 20 feet; while this year’s Tree measures 94 feet.  As you can see in some of the pictures, the Tree towers over Manhattan.  Once the lighting takes place, it is officially Christmas in New York City!

My sister, Wendy and I celebrating Christmas in NYC (me on the right)

As a very young child, my mother worked for Yardley in the Rockefeller Center Building. My sister and I would stand at the large windows overlooking the skating rink and watch Christmas unfolding before our eyes. 

 Kelly and Keith at the Tree Lighting

Years later when my sister and I both worked in Manhattan, we would rush over to catch the Tree Lighting.  We would meet at the entrance of Rockefeller Center where the large Angels stand with their trumpets ready to announce the beginning of the Holiday Season! (see the picture of Kelly standing in front of the Angels).

 Kelly, age 6 – Keith, age 2 at Rockefeller Center

As I started my own family, the tradition of joining the crowds continued as we would view the very large Tree erected each year. 

 Hopefully the pictures will give you the feeling of being right there with us!!!

 Rockefeller Tree Lighting (Nighttime View)