New York City is at its best during the holidays. Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas and New Years make the city resplendent and its inhabitants cheerful and kind. In my opinion, the emblem of the holidays in New York is the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and the skating rink below it. Although the Macy's store windows and the Rockettes at Radio City could be considered by some to be the more defining holiday customs, Rockefeller Christmas Tree stands tall above the rest(pun intended). The most famous Christmas tree in the world is lit in a televised program with guest performances by some of the most prominent entertainers of the time. Also, the location of the tree makes it easily accessible to all the tourists who come to New York City for the holidays. Furthermore, the tree's association with the Rockefeller Center makes it very prestigious. 

This year the tree stands 76 feet tall bigger than the requirement of 75 feet. The largest tree ever to be used was 100 feet tall. Over five miles of lights are used to decorate it and nine foot tall Swarovski crystal encrusted star adorns the top. This year marks the 77th year that the tree has been lit in front of Rockefeller. 

I love the tree because it only goes up once a year, so when you go to see it you feel like you are privileged to see something so extremely special.  I have only seen it twice in my life although that is shameful because I have always been in New York for the holidays but maybe that’s why it is so special to me. When I saw it this year it took my breath away.