Forget the turkey.
Forget the stuffing.
You can even forget the gosh darn pumpkin pie. but not the whipped cream... don't ever forget the Redi-Whip!
What I am really looking forward to tomorrow is this:
Ahhhh, yes...
Come a little closer though... and I'll tell you a secret... don't tell, but in the scope of holiday parades, it's not as flambuoyant or even as impressive as the Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day... but I'm usually tearing down all my holiday decorations by then, so that parade takes on a far more somber feel.)
While I adore watching Snoopy soar dozens of feet above the streets of the Big Apple, and listening to The Jonas Brothers croon their latest teeny bopper hit (I wish I was being sarcastic here... but I'm not), my favorite part of the entire parade, hands down, are these girls:
That's right-- the one...
The only...
Growing up, the holidays did not officially begin in my house until these long-legged ladies cleared the way for Santa Claus in Herald Square. As soon as they high kicked their way for Santa's arrival, my mom brought our "holiday pins" out of hiding and ceremoniously placed them on our winter coats. It signified the start of the season. Although the beginning of advent may still have been days away, the countdown to Christmas was offically on.
The fact of the matter is, I didn't actually set foot in a Macy's until I was 18 and off to college. And even then, it wasn't a real Macy's-- I mean, it was, the sign was there and everything (and so were the prices)-- it was simply a re-named "Hecht's" after Macy's bought out nearly half a dozen department store chains nationwide.
But I digress...
I knew everything I needed to know about that store because of the parade... and because of them...
For years, I dreamed of being one of them... the few, the proud, the Rockettes. I had the size; you have to be between 5' 6" and 5' 10" to audition, and I split the difference at 5' 8". I had the training. But what I lacked (sigh) was the talent.
Sure, I can kick. I can tap. I can twirl. But when it comes right down to it, my dance skills are pretty average. Enough to shine in the hometown dance recital, enough to hold my own in collegiate performances, even enough to coach a college dance team. But (sadly... and even I am shocked by my own honesty here-- it's not even Tuesday!), not enough to swallow my pride and strut my stuff on the hallowed grounds of Radio City. I almost got up the nerve to go to New York City once to audition. It was right after I got my master's degree, the first year DH & I were married. But I chickened out. I knew my time on stage... in the spotlight... was over. And I moved on.
As I talked about here, I've recently begun dancing again, and it feels divine. But I know my time to perform is over. I'm ok with that; I'll always miss it, but otherwise, that suits me just fine. But tomorrow, when those girls-- those amazing dancers-- take to the streets of the Big Apple, I'll be living vicariously through each and every one of them. And I'll pin my daughter's brand new holiday pin on her brand new holiday jacket, and I'll dream new dreams, about what's to come over the next five weeks in my very own world.
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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My favorite part is sitting around the table and listening to the same stories I've grown up listening to only now I understand what makes them so funny. I'm so glad you mentioned the Rockets because on Sunday me and 9 of my female family members are going to see them live in Pittsburgh. I can't wait! Enjoy the parade and all the other Thanksgiving festivities!
Not gonna lie...I almost shed a tear when you were talking about your past dancing endeavors. I grew up cheering and once I couldn't do it anymore, I felt like my world was lost. I still can't get enough of the competitions on ESPN. I know this has nothing to do with the parade or Turkey Day...but I wanted to share :)
Happy Hump Day!!
~Working Mommy
Come on by, stay for a while and leave a comment or two!
What a wonderful post! I'm so glad I stumbled upon it today, looking for your email address. Thanks for the feel-good story. I'd stay to read more, but I'm working on something right now (I'll send the email soon.)
I'll be watching that parade too, and I hope to one day be in NYC for it. To me, it just sets the tone for the holiday season, it's one of those things that remains rooted in tradition and I am grateful for that.
Favorite parts about Thanksgiving - my brothers are home, my mom & dad come over, grandparents, etc...and the wine flows, so do the stories. It's just warm and cozy and I love it.
Have a good one!
The parade is also my favorite part of Thanksgiving. I love it. I love watching my little ones eyes widen and twinkle as they see the floats. I went 2 years ago Dec 1st and saw the Rockettes here in Chicago. They were amazing!
i like the parade too...this year I'm trying to remember that ultimately the best part is just being together...with family and friends...no matter where you eat, it matters who are are with.
thanks for you comment on my blog, hope you have a great holiday!
I love the parade too. Too bad it is usually so loud with kids and family that it's hard to hear. Oh well, it's still fun to SEE it.
My favorite part of Thanksgiving (besides the yummy food) is when we all as a family stand together holding hands and before we pray, we tell what we are thankful for. Every year I cry...I'm so thankful!!
BTW...sorry for scaring you..Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Have a Very Happy Thanksgiving!
Hey there- thanks for the comment on my blog! My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is turkey, I'll admit it. I love turkey, and it doesn't taste the same any other time of the year! :-)
~Honey Bee
Welcome to SITS!
My favorite part of Thanksgiving is the shopping afterwards. I'm a sucker for good deals. Black Friday is one of my favorite days of the year!
Have a great Thanksgiving.
Ashley @ germato.com
Oh I loved the rockettes when I was little! I dreamed of being one too..until I realized that I had the flexability of a board. My favorite part about thanksgiving is the family time!!
Thanks for stoppy by my blog!
I love the parade, but my favorite part is being with family and that this is the only holiday that is not commericalized. Last year I didn't wake up my daughter for the parade and this year she made me promise I would wake her up for it. See are at my sisters and the cousins stay up "way too late", but hey that's what they are supposed to do. Happy Thanksgiving!
I love the parade too! I also love the cooking. I do. I pour love and thanks into every dish!
Happy T-Day!
I'm British, so we don't have Thanksgiving, but I love reading about everyone else's reasons to be thankful - it makes me stop and think about how lucky I am in my own life.
I had never heard of that parade before... gosh, to foreign eyes that looks so strange! What are the giant balloons?