Around three years ago, Macy's began utilizing a gigantic fake tree to decorate Union Square with during the holidays. I must say, I was relieved the store chain no longer searched for a really huge tree in a forest somewhere in the California mountain region or even the state of Oregon for this event. The fake one does the job quite well and it is wonderful to be green.

I remember watching the real tree go up and decorated for weeks on end. Now, the tree takes less than three days to erect. The only thing missing is the tree lighting ceremony but that won't happen til Black Friday when thousands of people flock to the city to watch this most beautiful event.

Even the skating rink is now up and running. I can't wait for the most joyous season to begin.