Sure, the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. And, yep, milk and cookies may be waiting near the fireplace. But for many big-city residents across the United States, the surest sign of the holiday season is the unveiling of elaborate Christmas window displays at bustling department stores, a tradition that was launched in 1874 -- 149 years ago -- by none other than R. H. Macy himself, founder of the eponymous chain that today operates 507 stores around the country.
HISTORY's Moment in Media: A New Tradition Is Born – The Advent of the Department Store Holiday Windows
![HISTORY's Moment in Media: A New Tradition Is Born – The Advent of the Department Store Holiday Windows](/media/articles/Christmas_window_display_iStock-1190824599.jpg.550x380_q85_box-117%2C0%2C3029%2C2022_crop.jpg.webp)