It’s Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Although the country is in a devastating recession, San Francisco’s Union Square shows no signs of remorse. People have left their murky turkey pans and cranberry-stained dishes in their kitchen sinks in order to make the early morning sales at Macy’s and Neiman Marcus. Shoppers are in such a hurry to get their children’s “Santa” presents that they hardly take notice of the most spectacular sights around them.

The massive Christmas tree that was waiting to be lit and the other holiday lights glowing in store windows were the silent gifts of this year’s Black Friday. The eighty-five-foot-tall tree towers over Union Square, adorned with thousands of colored lights and topped with a sparkling yellow star. The annual lighting ceremony of this year’s Christmas tree was an all-day event. Musical guests performed, including cast members from the musical “Wicked.” Vendors had booths set up in the square where they sold cute holiday decorations along with San Francisco attire and souvenirs.

Next to the Macy’s tree is an ice-skating rink, smaller than the one that is annually put up by the waterfront on the Embarcadero. This rink has character and attracts children, couples and oddballs alike. Martha Jacobs loves leaving town and coming up to the city to shop with her college-aged daughter and husband. “The holidays can be really stressful. My daughter or husband didn’t even want to come up to the city to go shopping with me this year,” says Jacobs. Apparently the ice rink warmed the “Grinch” in them. “The second they saw the rink, both of them smiled and said they had to give it a try,” says Jacobs.

Besides bringing smiles to shoppers, the tree and its warm lights are encouraging San Franciscans to give back this year. Patrons can “sponsor a light” to help fundraise for the patients, programs and services at UCSF’s Children’s Hospital. UCSF is a renowned leader in pediatric health care; with programs that specialize in cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, organ transplantation, orthopedics and pregnancy care. Every penny from tree light sponsors will go to UCSF. Donations can be made online, by phone or by mail.

Hopefully this year’s “giving” tree and the festive rink will get rid of the “Scrooge” in every disgruntled shopper. While money may be tight, there’s no reason why we can’t enjoy the holiday season. Take a minute to admire this year’s tree; it’ll remind you of the reason for the season.

Visit ucsfhealth.org/tree if you would like to sponsor a light this season.