On this Christmas evening, there is a distinct quiet hanging over our beloved city. Coming home tonight, the streets were barren of people and cars, most of the businesses were shut tight, and the usual New York volume was definitely turned down. In some ways it was nice, in other ways a little scary.
It feels, on this holiest night of the year, like there is a kind of pall covering this town. It's not doom or gloom exactly, but instead a unusual degree of worry that is seizing this already neurotic place The financial and housing crises, etc., have left many New Yorkers feeling blue. The holiday season is always an emotionally trying time, and this year our economic travails has made it all the worse. People are losing jobs, wages, and benefits, homes are going into foreclosure, stocks and retirement portfolios are plummeting -- you name it, it's tough out there.
What can we do? As 2008 draws to its end, how should we feel?
I wish I knew exactly how to feel or how to tell others to feel. 2008 has been tough and 2009 is shaping up to be even tougher. If things are gonna get better, it'll probably be another couple of years. If the future is going to be bright, it's a long way off. But I know it's out there ... somewhere beyond the horizon.
So on this Christmas night, as we look to the future, Mr NYC is counting his blessings. He has many wonderful people in his life and many things to be grateful for. The soul can be temporarily lifted by money but only the richness of life can truly nourish it.
And on this Christmas night in the greatest city in the world, I'm feeling strong.
Happy Holidays.
It feels, on this holiest night of the year, like there is a kind of pall covering this town. It's not doom or gloom exactly, but instead a unusual degree of worry that is seizing this already neurotic place The financial and housing crises, etc., have left many New Yorkers feeling blue. The holiday season is always an emotionally trying time, and this year our economic travails has made it all the worse. People are losing jobs, wages, and benefits, homes are going into foreclosure, stocks and retirement portfolios are plummeting -- you name it, it's tough out there.
What can we do? As 2008 draws to its end, how should we feel?
I wish I knew exactly how to feel or how to tell others to feel. 2008 has been tough and 2009 is shaping up to be even tougher. If things are gonna get better, it'll probably be another couple of years. If the future is going to be bright, it's a long way off. But I know it's out there ... somewhere beyond the horizon.
So on this Christmas night, as we look to the future, Mr NYC is counting his blessings. He has many wonderful people in his life and many things to be grateful for. The soul can be temporarily lifted by money but only the richness of life can truly nourish it.
And on this Christmas night in the greatest city in the world, I'm feeling strong.
Happy Holidays.
I love new york, too!
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