Manhattan is full of skyscrapers fronted by an open space. Space is a luxury to be flaunted on this crowded island. These plazas usually consist of a patch of concrete, maybe some broad steps, possibly a fountain or large sculpture. Most plazas seem cold and unwelcoming until the holiday season arrives. Colored lights soften and cheer them. These trees, a configuration of red bulbs topped with atomic-era stars, made me linger for a while. I looked at the way their reflected light made the bare tree branches glow red. I thought about how beautiful this scene was, perhaps because of its minimal color scheme. Then I hurried on my way.