Remembering "Mama" on Christmas Day at Grand Central Terminal

Image on the souvenir program for the event

This morning, Iraq War veterans participating in the Doe Fund Veterans Program joined the “men in blue” of the organization’s "Ready, Willing & Able" initiative, as well as community members and Doe Fund supporters for the Doe Fund's annual "Mama Doe" candlelight vigil. The event was held to honor the memory of an elderly homeless woman – known only as “Mama” – who died on a bench in the station’s waiting room on Christmas Day in 1985. George McDonald, founder and president of the Doe Fund began volunteering in the mid 1980's to feed the homeless people who were living in Grand Central Terminal. Among the homeless was an elderly woman who was loved by all and was known to all as "Mama." On Christmas Eve 1985, McDonald gave Mama a warm purple scarf as a present. Mama was driven out from the terminal by transit police so she slept on a subway grate. When McDonald returned on Christmas morning, he found the scarf crumpled beside Mama who laid dead on a bench. She apparently crawled back into the terminal when it reopened, but later on died. McDonald founded the Doe Fund in her memory. The organization is renowned for the "Ready Willing and Able" program that provides paid work opportunities to thousands of homeless people. 

Capiz Shell Christmas Lanterns Adorn Philippine Consulate (Philippine Center) Window

The Christmas window display at the Philippine Consulate (Philippine Center) on Fifth Avenue feature Philippine Christmas lanterns made of beautiful capiz shells from San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines. The other window showcases holiday pieces made from natural materials including coconut, abaca, raffia, and shells. Capiz shell is a flat, semi-transparent shell with a pearlescent appearance. Capiz is often used to create lampshades or other luminescent objects, such as candle holders, because of its striking appearance when light shines through. However, it is just as common to see the bases of lamps crafted with capiz shell. Capiz is also frequently used as an accent to many household and fashion accessories. The Philippine Consulate is located at 556 Fifth Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets.

Giant Christmas Ornaments at 1251 Sixth Avenue

One of the most photographed holiday decorations on Sixth Avenue are the giant Christmas ornaments in front of 1251 Sixth Avenue building (Exxon Building) across from the Radio City Music Hall. This year, not all of the Christmas balls are red. 

The Rink at Rockefeller Center Celebrates its 75th Anniversary on Christmas Day

On December 25, the Rink at Rockefeller Center celebrates its 75th anniversary. Since 1936, skating on The Rink has become one of the most visited sites in New York City, and one of New York's traditional ways to usher in each winter season. This year, the Rink's Skate House has been remodeled, offering comfortable seating, lockers and a skate rental desk under an airy vaulted, arched ceiling. The Rink first opened on December 25, 1936 as the premier artificial outdoor skating pond built in New York City, complete with modern amenities: night skating, piped-in music and a heated house for changing skates. The bronze gilded statue of the Greek legend Prometheus, sculpted by Paul Manship and set in a flowing fountain, looks over The Rink. The annual Rockefeller Christmas Tree stands on the west side of The Rink, a worldwide symbol of the holidays. The Rink at Rockefeller Center is located on 5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets. 

"Burning African Village Play Set with Big House and Lynching" by Kara Walker

Kara Walker is an American artist (born 1969) known for her panoramic murals composed of cut paper silhouettes that intensely explores relationships based on power. In this work that is on exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, she works on painted laser-cut steel to depict the stereotypical Civil War imagery of the South - stately plantation mansion, small huts, weeping willows, shackled slaves, Confederate soldiers and Southern belles.

Vox Vocal Ensemble and the Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble Offer Holiday Concert at the Guggenheim Museum

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum hosted its annual free concert of holiday music in the museum's Frank Lloyd Wright–designed rotunda. The Vox Vocal Ensemble and the Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble performed traditional Christmas songs. The performance will be repeated tonight at 7 PM at the Guggenheim Museum located at 1071 Fifth Avenue at 89th Street. Currently on exhibit at the rotunda is an art installation by Maurizio Cattelan including the hanging horse visible in some photos above.