One of my favorite holiday traditions is taking in and photographing the holiday hustle and bustle. You know, the usual sidewalk insanity but with a torrent of twinkle. It starts with the unveiling of the Macy’s holiday windows and ends with the savvy sprint of the last-minute shoppers.
Quick side note: This is not a post about the holidays starting too early. In my opinion, everyone is entitled to their own opinion on when the holidays should start, as long as they don’t shame those who don’t agree with them.
Anyways, back to the Macy’s windows. This past week, I took my first stroll by this year’s display hoping to capture some of the magic.
As I framed my shot and waited for the parade of pedestrians to pass in front of my lens, I was reminded of a trend that’s taken hold during this pandemic people are paying attention.
The frenzied photo I imagined, never materialized as person after person stopped, patiently and politely waiting just on the edge of the frame.
It’s simultaneously heartwarming and gutwrenching. I’ll explain…
On the one hand, it’s nice to see the considerate gestures from and for complete strangers. On the other hand, it’s hard not to see this hyper-awareness as a collective trauma response to the past two years.
Yes, it’s nice to be considerate of other people, but it’s also good to unapologetically take up space and space out, every now and then.
So, thank you (again) to those countless kind souls who saw me and stopped. I hope you receive the same consideration this holiday season, but also let yourself wander into the frame…please.
Be Kind. Be Brave. Stay Awkward.
Onward & Awkward 