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Columbus lacks a proper outlet for my cheer. No holiday parades down High Street and no tree lighting and celebration like at Rockefeller Center.
‘Twas the day before Halloween when I saw my first Christmas decoration of the year: a Rudolph nose on the grill of a sedan. I was almost surprised I had to wait that long.
Many people complain that the holiday season starts earlier every year, and they’re probably right. But you won’t find me joining that chorus of bah humbug; Christmas makes me as jolly as a fat man in red velvet.
The season brings so many things that just can’t be found any other time of the year, among them: writers using the words “bah humbug,” public singing (the National Anthem doesn’t count), gift giving and houses that look as if a 13-year-old girl got hold of a Bedazzler (I mean that in a good way). And it all comes at just the right frozen time of year when my cockles need warming.
But Columbus lacks a proper outlet for my cheer. No holiday parades down High Street and no tree lighting and celebration like at Rockefeller Center. Well, actually, there are tree lightings downtown—one at the Statehouse and another at City Hall. But since I only learned about them while researching this column (and I worked downtown for five years), these aren’t exactly the high-profile parties I have in mind.
I’m not telling city officials anything they don’t already know, however. In his State of the City speech in 2008, Mayor Mike Coleman announced a Mile on High District, including tax incentives to boost business in the stretch through downtown.
Part of the plan was to hearken back to the days when the center city and Lazarus’s window display of animated characters were a holiday shopping destination. (This time of year also is when we get to say such things as “hearken.”)
Along those lines, in 2005 and 2006, the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District brought a temporary ice skating rink to State Street, which was a great old-timey idea that unfortunately never got traction.
That doesn’t mean a new tradition can’t be started.
Why not throw a holiday party along the lines of First Night, but less dorky? Dress folks up as carolers of yore, give out apple cider and throw in a toy donation center so everyone can feel good about themselves. (OK, that sounds pretty dorky, but so are elves, when you think about it.)
Granted, at this time of year, the weather probably will be brutal, but freezing is festive at the holidays.
And although I understand that religion is obviously an inherent part of many holiday events, I’d hope no one would be offended by a public celebration of general jolliness. The suburbs seem to have no such politically correct squeamishness, with their own parades and tree lightings. Certainly, there is a way to celebrate the spirit of the season while leaving spirituality to other observances. Retailers manage every year.
For many, holidays are about tradition as much as anything. The new Columbus Commons space at the old City Center will be a perfect location to start something people can look forward to each year; although there’s been no announcement yet, I’ll be stunned if nothing evolves.
Until then, I’ll have to make do with being a solo celebrant. Don’t be surprised if you find me caroling on your doorstep.
