As a young boy growing up in a small town in western Pennsylvania, I will never forget my parents walking us kids up and down Main Street, in Ellwood City, to check out the Christmas decorations set up by local merchants in storefront windows. My absolute favorite was the corner window at JC Penney that faced the traffic coming down the sidewalk. I can still remember the animated “Frosty the Snowman” that stood inside the window there. Frosty would dance, melt, re-inflate, and then dance again. We never passed that store without going inside, so Frosty did his job. Even at that young age, I was fascinated with the magic of windows!
Windows play such an important role in our daily lives. They allow us to enjoy the world outside while we enjoy the comforts from within our homes and businesses. But during the holiday season, they take on an even more special role. Windows also give others a view from the outside in, offering others a glimpse into our lives as we proudly display our personal expressions of the holiday spirit. Indeed, windows allow us to share a piece of ourselves with the world.
In Chicago, the windows at Macy’s on State Street continue to be a local favorite, featuring charming holiday scenes that bring nostalgia and joy to those who visit. Across the country in San Francisco, Ghirardelli Square’s festive storefronts and twinkling lights are a must-see, especially when paired with a warm cup of hot chocolate.
This year, Secret NYC ranked the top Christmas window displays in New York City, with Macy’s Herald Square taking the top spot. Macy’s windows feature intricate scenes of Santa’s elves preparing gifts, and a magical sleigh ride across the starry sky. The “Believe in the Wonder” theme brings nostalgia and joy to visitors of all ages, making it a must-see attraction during the holiday season.
Meanwhile, Bloomingdale’s has announced a holiday partnership with Universal Pictures new cinematic event Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz. so their display features Santa in an “Ozified” enchanted forest.
However, my personal favorite this year must be the window display at Raising Cane’s in Times Square. Their front windows feature their Golden Retriever mascot, Cane, decked out in holiday gear, alongside festive scenes of Santa’s ornaments, snowmen, and marching bands. It’s whimsical and heartwarming, making it a standout display among the hustle and bustle of Times Square. As a dog lover, this display really hit home for me! Check it out with Gurleen.
While these famous displays are impressive, not everyone can travel to Chicago or NYC to see them in person. Sure, one can google YouTube videos of these displays online, but the real magic of Christmas windows lies closer to home. We like to walk or take a drive through our own neighborhood as well as nearby communities to see the beauty of Christmas reflected in the windows of houses and local businesses. This is where the true spirit of the season shines brightest. It is reflected in the personal and heartfelt decorations of our neighbors and community members.
When we were deciding where to put our Christmas tree, the first thought that came to mind was placing it near the front window. That way, neighbors and passersby could see its lights and decorations as they walked or drove by. This decision made me reflect on the deeper purpose of windows during the holiday season—a purpose that can’t be measured by any window rating system. Windows are more than a conduit for light; they’re a way for us to share our cultural and religious beliefs with the world through visual expression.
Now visible light transmission ratings have always been an important gauge when it comes to measuring how well we can see out of our windows, but in this case, it also determines how well we can show off what we put on display inside that fourth surface of glass. In this case it takes on a whole new measure of self-expression, as it enables us to share the joy, love, and meaning of Christmas through our windows.
Merry Christmas, everyone!