Michael Hammers

Tree Lighting Ceremony, Nov. 30th, 2010

December 1, 2010
New York City, Rockefeller Center, Channel Gardens
Michael Hammers meets Santa Claus

MH Mister Claus? That’s you isn’t it? Didn’t I see you yesterday at the Tree Lighting?

SC Never missed a Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center, you should know that, Michael! It’s always one of those magical moments when I have to pause to think. Wouldn’t miss that for the world, no matter where I am or whatever else is going on.

MH Wow! So you saw the whole show? The famous Rockettes, Mariah Carey, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, Jessica Simpson, Susan Boyle, Kylie Minogue, Annie Lennox, Boyz II Men, …

SC …no, I don’t usually have time for that! But once the countdown starts, I’m right there!

Jeff Zucker, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Jerry Speyer turn on the lights.

Backed by Kylie Minogue and Josh Groban, american television executive and former President and CEO of NBC Universal Jeff Zucker, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Tishman Speyer CEO Jerry Speyer turn on the lights at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center November 30, 2010 in New York City, © Michael Hammers Studios 2010

MH So let me get this right? You’re flying around in your sleigh, Rudolph in the lead, then 3, 2, 1, YEAH! and off you go again?

SC I’ll leave it up to you to imagine it however you want. But honestly: The moment the lights start flashing in the tree, the star still hiding in the darkness and in the blink of an eye the tree and then the star lights up in all its radiant beauty, that really moves me.

MH So Santa Claus is just a sentimental old slob like all of us?

SC Watch it, buddy! Watch it! (laughing) Stars show us the way; they’re heavenly. I do often find myself to be in the dark without them around. And Rudolph and the boys aren’t as young as they used to be, if you know what I mean. But that’s a different story.

MH Might be a different story but I’ll bet it’s worth telling. So, what you’re saying is the star on the Rockefeller Christmas Tree is just the perfect runway light?

SC I’d watch my mouth if I were you, young man. Christmas IS coming, you know! Ho ho ho (laughing) This big, sparkling star at Rockefeller Center really is one of a kind. It just twinkles so brilliantly… What does the star mean to you?

MH I’m not gonna answer that.

SC Why? Because you’re the one who made it? Fishing for compliments, are we?

MH How did you know I made it? And, if you don’t mind my asking: how did you know my name? Anyway, I think it’s very, very beautiful, and I AM really proud that so many people want to see the tree every year and that the star touches so many more hearts every year.

SC Is that right?

The Swarovski Star is aglow during the lighting ceremony.

Crowned by German artist Michael Hammers’ Swarovski Star, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is aglow during the lighting ceremony held at Rockefeller Center on November 30, 2010 in New York City, © Michael Hammers Studios 2010

MH Dunno. Maybe. Maybe not?

SC Vanity goes before a fall!

MH But I DID make it!

SC Everyone who sees it opens their hearts all over again to its beauty! That, sir, is the magic of Christmas. And that, sir, is something you should know, too! The Christmas star shines in every heart. But you gotta admit, it really shines pretty bright here. Can’t imagine a more beautiful star…

MH Well, we can work on the brighter part…'specially with you flying blind and all…

SC …first he’s sassy, then vain, then back to sassy! Santa’s Little Helper, Knecht Ruprecht? Ever heard of him? Ha ha ha.

MH Mr. Claus, I’ve got the sneaky feeling that I’ve just cut myself out of a present or two, so I’ll just say thanks a lot for talking to me and then I’ll be on my way.

SC Merry Christmas, Michael!

MH Let it snow! Or could I interest you in some crystal headlights for the sleigh?

SC Michael!!!

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