NEW YORK, N.Y. (CBS) - In New York City, home of the legendary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, storm survivors' spirits getting are getting lifted.
As the balloons expand, they represent holiday hope for Jennifer Tapinis, her husband and two sons, who lost power for more than a week after Sandy.
"I hope everyone is thankful for something this holiday and that somehow someway everyone will rebuild better than ever. And find joy where you can and certainly this is a joyful place," said Tapinis.
Balloon inflation teams started the process at noon Wednesday, when balloons went from pancaked to puffy.
Charlie Brown is ready to go, along with the new Hello Kitty in a biplane.
"This is cheerful, it's a parade and it cheers everyone up," said New Yorker, Zach Reichman.
Parade watcher, Amy Kule, echoed that saying, "It's a joyous occasion and a time for renewal and to lift everybody's spirit and that's what we're going to do."