In a twist that might make both Ebenezer Scrooge and The Grinch nod in a miserly agreement, Macy’s has decided to dim the lights on Atlanta’s beloved Great Tree Lighting ceremony at Lenox Square. This decision to retire the 74-year-old tradition comes hot on the heels of their 2021 discontinuation of the Pink Pig ride, another local holiday favorite. It seems the higher-ups at Macy’s might be competing for the title of “Who Can Steal Christmas the Fastest?”
The Great Tree Lighting, a beacon of the holiday spirit since 1948, began its journey at Rich’s department store. This event was more than just a mere lighting of a tree; it was a symbol of the holiday season’s commencement, a gathering of community warmth in the brisk Atlanta winters. When Rich’s closed its doors, the tradition found new life at Lenox Square, continuing to spread holiday cheer.
But now, in a move colder than a snowman’s handshake, Macy’s has decided to forego this tradition. Their reason, wrapped in the vague language of “evaluating event programming,” leaves many Atlantans as puzzled as a reindeer in a summertime parade. The event’s disappearance, especially after being scaled down in recent years due to pandemic-related challenges and budget cuts, has left a void in the city’s festive calendar.
Perhaps what’s needed here is a classic Christmas intervention. One could suggest that the decision-makers at Macy’s might benefit from a visit by three spirits this Christmas Eve.
As Georgians, we’re no strangers to change, but we’re also champions of our heritage and traditions. While we might not have the Great Tree to gather around this year, the spirit of the season remains unextinguished. We’ll find new ways to celebrate, creating fresh traditions that continue to light up our holiday season.
And to Macy’s, a gentle reminder: the heart of Christmas lies in the joy and togetherness it brings, and the memory and practice of time-honored traditions, not just the bottom line. If you’d like to know more about corporate greed at Christmas and where it gets you, there is an old book called “A Christmas Carol” that I highly recommend reading.
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