Holiday Spirit

It's that time of year when New Yorkers give a collective exhale in advance of the holiday season.  Today, with Thanksgiving less than one week away, the subway was already quieter.  Some people have already left town.  The remainder are anticipating a badly needed break.  Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel (a four day weekend!) makes it easier to breathe. 

Here's an example.  Friday after work the elevator at W190th St. was jammed full.  People at the front slowly (reluctantly?) stepped forward and made room for more passengers.  A young man nearly crushed against one side cleared his throat and said, his voice serious and full of authority "Ladies and gentlemen.  I'm sure you're wondering why I've gathered you here today."  The elevator gave a collective chuckle.  His companion countered, "Don't listen to him, he's an actor."  Which is not surprising in an area full of artists. 

As the elevator door opened, its operator took the actor's example, and said "So long ladies and gentlemen.  Have a great holiday."  The riders spilled up the stairs to Ft. Washington with smiles on their faces.  With the continued troubles in the economy, the anger and betrayal of trust aroused by Occupy Wall Street, and the sheer terror at the prospect of Europe going under, I had almost forgotten about such moments of collective goodwill.  It takes an artist to put things into perspective.