The Holiday Season Has Unofficially Begun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I Saw The First Advertisement This Morning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 I know, for most, the Holiday Season begins with Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  But, for me, it unofficially starts when I see the first ad for the NYC Ballet's annual Christmas presentation of George Balanchine's "The Nutcracker."  This year, the ballet, created and first performed in 1954, will turn 70, just like me, and Gojira's movie stardom!!!!!!!!!!!!  What a November!

                                 I used to go to this frequently, and I have done so with David, but with tickets at such a premium high, who can afford it?  True, there are no more debtors' prisons, but who wants to deal with excessive debt?  Apparently, it does not bother many, especially at this time of year.

                                  I cannot predict what the future will be, but I have had this idea for a long time.  The year 2028 will mark fifty years since I saw my first "Nutcracker," back in 1978.  I was still living in Highland Park, and both my parents were still alive.  I had no idea what was in store, then, nor do I, now.  But, if I can, I would like to make it to a 2028 performance.

                                   To those never having gone, I urge you to.

                                   It is one of the holiday traditions in New York City, where one is guaranteed to find theatrical magic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!