Want a good holiday story? Just ask someone about the worst gift they ever received at Christmas. Want a sweet holiday story? Ask them about the best gift they ever received.

We went to the epicenter of Yuletide spirit in Manhattan—the lights up and down 5th Avenue! the tree at Rockefeller Center! the dreamy displays in the store windows!—and asked folks about the gifts they remember. For better or for worse. Enjoy.

•December 20, 2018