Most Christmas tree lights blink on and off — but incredibly, thousands of New Yorkers are still stuck completely in "off" since Hurricane Sandy.
But in the areas hardest hit, the lights are slowly coming back — each a symbol of hope.
In Rockaway Park, power was finally restored yesterday to a 70-unit apartment building.
Until now, the residents had only partial power provided by generators.
"Before, it was candles, flashlights and takeout food,'' said Dennis Krecko, 57. "It was a nice Christmas present.
"I can live my life normally again,'' he said. "I can use the microwave. I can heat something in the toaster.
Matthew McDermott
STALWARTS: Debbie and Joe Ingenito (above) enjoy a makeshift tree yesterday outside their Staten Island home.
Next year, it will be inside and feature this ornament (above) from President Obama.
William Miller
Meanwhile, Valerie and Dennis Krecko (above), of Rockaway Park, finallly have power back last night.
"Life is slowing coming back to Rockaway.''
His tree sports ornaments cut by a neighbor from pieces of the destroyed boardwalk. They say "Hope'' on one side and "2012'' on the other.
More than 1,000 Con Ed customers are without power in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. LIPA says some 8,100 homes in the Rockaways are so badly damaged, they still can't accept electricity.
Meanwhile, Joe and Debbie Ingenito and their three children are among the lucky residents of Staten Island — their power is back and their lives have been brightened by President Obama's gift of two ornaments for their tree.
After The Post wrote about the makeshift Christmas tree that Joe had erected on his sidewalk from a fallen spruce in front of his Sandy-ravaged New Dorp home, the commander-in-chief sought out the family and an aide delivered the special gifts.
"It's an honor. It's a once-in-a-lifetime deal," said Joe, who decorated his 7-foot outdoor tree with debris salvaged after the storm.
He's still improvising. The tree outside the home now sports a string of white lights, a mask, goggles, a worker's glove, bells, a can of Goofy String, someone's cap and a Hannah Montana bag.
Joe is saving the president's two precious ornaments until next year, when the family's tree, hopefully, will be back inside.
One depicts a Santa holding a big red bag outside the White House and reads, "I hear there are some kids in the White House this year." The other is a vintage car with a driver and passenger wearing a top hat.
"The ornaments are beautiful, very authentic and detailed," said Debbie, who keeps them in the velvet-lined boxes they came in for fear they would be stolen if they're put on the tree outside.
She can't wait until next year, when the family will put them "right at the top" of the tree.
"They will be passed down to the family," said Debbie.
"When I go, they will go to my firstborn."
A week after presenting the gifts, Obama gave the Ingenitos a shout-out.
"Today, if you go to Joseph's street, you'll see a lot of damage and debris scattered all over the block," he said.
"But you'll also see the top of that tree, standing tall in front of his house." Additional reporting by Yoav Gonen and Joe Tacopino
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