More than Christmas lights were shining brightly at the Harlem Holiday Lights Ceremony held on Dec. 7, 2010, at the Harlem State Office Building. Equally radiant were the smiles of the people in the crowd as many gathered to celebrate the lighting of Harlem’s renowned thoroughfare from the East River to the Hudson River. The event, which was produced by the 125th Street Business Improvement District and Manhattan Community Boards 9, 10 and 11, inspired everyone to get into the holiday spirit. Rolling out reflected with attendees on their best and worst Christmas gifts ever, their most memorable Christmas Day experiences and tips for throwing the perfect holiday party. –souleo
Name: liesha Washington
Favorite Christmas gift: “I don’t get any gifts.”
Most memorable Christmas: “A sweater that didn’t fit”
Holiday party tips: “When my grandmother was alive a couple years ago and going to her house every Christmas.”
Name: Kim Ratcliff
Favorite Christmas gift: “A Christmas concert with New Edition in 1988.”
Most memorable Christmas: “Some stinky perfume.”
Holiday party tips: “Try to incorporate everyone whether they believe in Christmas or not, and [make sure] that they have fun as well.”
Name: Michael Brown
Favorite Christmas gift: “An old film camera I got one year from my parents that I used a lot.”
Most memorable Christmas: “My grandmother had just died and she was the glue that held us together. Even after my grandmother passed we got together and had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed the family company.”
Holiday party tips: “Anyway to fit in tacky sweaters is a good thing, so capitalize on tacky sweater time.”
Name: Wanda Powell
Favorite Christmas gift: “Jewelry — any kind that lasts and you can pass [it] down to a family member.”
Most memorable Christmas: “When I was 3 and my mom got me a tricycle with the bell and tassels.”
Holiday party tips: “Make sure you have the music set up so you won’t [have to] look for anything and invite people who know how to have fun.”
Name: Jonathan
Favorite Christmas gift: “It was a Ford Taurus I got at 16 years old.”
Most memorable Christmas: “When I was younger and I got a bunch of toys.”
Holiday party tips: “Try to enjoy the holidays without drinking and arguing.”
Name: Seema Williams
Favorite Christmas gift: “My son because I almost had him on Christmas Eve … and I get to have my family every year with me.”
Least favorite Christmas gift: “When I got a lollipop from my daughter because she broke the Christmas ceramic gift she made for me.”
Holiday party tips: “It’s nice when half the work is done and you help guests get involved with the festivities. They get to know each other more.”
Name: Myra Jones
Favorite Christmas gift: “A Movado watch.”
Most memorable Christmas: “When my father was alive we always did a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve.”
Holiday party tips: “If you drink, please do not drive.”
Name: Monique White
Favorite Christmas gift: “A Betsy Wetsy doll.”
Most memorable Christmas: “The last one. I spent it with my grandmother before she passed away. Usually my family spends Christmas apart but this was the one time we came together which made it more memorable.”
Holiday party tips: “Plan your work and work your plan. Anything without a plan is a disaster waiting to happen.”
