Seriously, walk down Fifth Avenue on November 1st. The pumpkins are barely cold. Suddenly, wreaths are hanging in every window.
It’s the unofficial starting pistol. Stores go from spooky to sparkly overnight. This is Retail Christmas, and it has no manners.
The Macy’s Parade Is the Official Bell
Thanksgiving morning seals the deal. When those giant balloons float past—think SpongeBob or a six-story Snoopy—it’s go time. That’s the ceremonial kickoff.
But the real magic? It starts the night before. Watching them inflate the balloons on 77th Street is a weird, wonderful ritual. It’s like watching a circus dress for bed.
