The pretty scene in Syracuse’s Clinton Square on a drizzly Friday, Dec. 20.
My friends and former co-workers threw a happy hour party last night, so I parked my car downtown and headed off on foot to meet my dear wife Karen.
Everybody was gathering at a nice joint by the name of J. Ryan’s, to honor Michelle, who’s leaving the big daily at the end of this year for a management position at the Syracuse New Times. I’ve noted Michelle’s friendship in several stories here. She was one of the co-hosts for the big daily reunion party along with my wife, and she was one of co-adventurers who shared the trip from Baltimore and Bermuda and back on the beautiful big boat. Heck, she was the one who got us all together to watch NFL football on all those flat screens at Chuck Hafner’s Restaurant and Grill just before Thanksgiving.
A special friend sharing an important achievement had me walking through the drizzly post-dusk at a good clip.
And then I saw it.
The Clinton Square Christmas Tree, proudly beaming its sparkle over the outdoor skating rink in Syracuse, N.Y.
For 29 years, I worked directly across the street from Clinton Square. At this time of the year, I could go to the Square-facing wall of windows, pause, and admire.
Karen and I had a pretty big string of years that we went with friends to the annual lighting ceremony, joining tens of thousands of happy folk singing songs, watching skaters, craning necks for a better view, and counting down to the flip of the switch. It was convenient. We were there.
But we didn’t go the day-after-Thanksgiving this year. In fact, we hadn’t gone the last couple. We had decided that we’d tired of getting jostled by the crowd constantly pushing for a good position, and braving the cold.
Last night the joy hit me square in the face.
I grabbed my iPhone 4 and clicked away.
I loved the scene, lights welcoming several lonely skaters as the countdown this time was of the dwindling days to Christmas, not the seconds until the lights came on.
That’s what I decided to share today. It ain’t Rockefeller Center, but it sure is a nice spot up here in Syracuse.
After a couple of beers and a couple dozen well-wishes for Michelle — yes, we will be working together again when she starts managing the ad sales staff and I continue blogging about films for the New Times — I walked Karen to her car.
Below is a building we passed on the way. Look two-thirds up for a message.
Go ‘Cuse, indeed.
Put your loyalty in lights to brighten up the city.
Do you have a holiday location that brings you back and always makes you happy?
Mark Bialczak 
I loved the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Clinton Square and I wish ice skating was available there when we lived in Liverpool, N.Y. It looks like fun. Beautiful pic of the tree, Mark.
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The rink was the icing on the tree lighting ceremony, Judy, pun intended. It’s slick and cool. OK, I’ll stop now. Thanks, I loved shooting this night scene with my iPhone.
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looks beautiful mark.
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It is a great thing for our city, Rachel. I’m sure you have great Christmas spots in London in a big way!
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I have to be honest here mark – you americans really do know hoe to make everything look festive.
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Your photos of Harrods proved that you Londoners can be festive, too, Rachel!
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Beautiful tree, beautiful scenery. Don’t think I would want to leave Kentucky though. It’s too cold here already, and I’m sure it’s worse there. Anticipating spring.
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Yes, you would not like the stretch of cold we always get here, Angie. It’s beyond cold in some years. Enjoy the milder Bluegrass State!
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It sounds like you are surrounded with wonderful friends and family. What a huge tree and a reminder that the magic of Christmas can happen at any moment.
Merry Christmas!
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Merry Christmas to you and yours, Susie!
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wonderful, isn’t it amazing at times when we step back and take a new look at something we’ve seen forever, that it looks so wonderful and amazing? our eyes are opened anew. great post.
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That’s exactly it, Beth, the abiity to see something familiar in a new way is pretty amazing. Thanks!
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Great post! Beautiful picture – I would love to stand there and see that. In that Southwest, you don’t get scenes such as that. 😀
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It was a nice moment, those skaters enjoying the city rink under those marvelous lights. I bet you get different special sights in the Southwest that we don’t up here, PJ.
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Great post!
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Thank you Anne(t?). I love this spot all over again, thankfully.
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It is Anne T. Bell…confusing …sorry. Syracuse is a great city out there in the middle of the state. My daughter was so happy there and even came back and worked in development after graduation. Thanks for sharing and your joyful enthusiasm. Lovely!
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And thank you for your kind words, and the explanation so I can forever now call you Anne, my new friend from Troy.
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😎
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Fantastic looking tree, maybe you should make it a tradition to go the day after the lighting ceremony to avoid the crowds but enjoy the vibe!
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Yes, Greg, a non-lighting-celebration visit will forever be on my list now. Thanks.
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I love this…the photo takes me back to simpler times and things..you should go more often!
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I should Kim. It sort of became too familiar when I worked across the street. Now it’s special again. And it’s only 3 1/2 miles from our house.
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I know what you mean. I get that way about the island sometimes..I hardly went at all this past year, but I am changing that. I don’t want to take these things for granted. 🙂
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