Holiday Delights

December has arrived and thoughts turn from the mundane to the joyful anticipation of what can be called the ‘festivals of light’. Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa are festivals that celebrate light and peace. At a time when there is much darkness in this world, it’s time to turn away from the daily darkness of hate and despair and to embrace the light of hope and love. The many decorations and shows promoted by stores, musical ensembles, museums, and cities attest to the embrace of light. It is my desire to share with you various shows of light piercing the darkness in a new holiday portfolio. The new portfolio currently has scenes from a light show in Philadelphia. It is the annual light show that was first exhibited by the John Wanamaker department store in 1955. Each year, the show would be held in the huge grand court. The court’s giant organ would accompany the show. Although the Wanamaker store would fold during the closing decade of the 1900s, succeeding stores would maintain the annual light shows in the grand court. In the summer of 2025, Macy’s decided to close its store, which had occupied the former space of the defunct Wanamaker store. But, thanks to various advocates who wanted to keep what had become an iconic holiday tradition in Philadelphia, the light show would continue this December. The old Wanamaker building is slated to undergo major renovation and the light show may not be happening next year due to the construction work. If you are in Philadelphia, why not step out of the daily darkness and step into a show that celebrates light. It is my desire to add more photos of events in other locations that celebrate light. Those photos will be added to the portfolio.

May I offer you my deepest desire for a joyful and peaceful holiday.