The massive helium balloons that will float through New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took shape on Wednesday, when they were filled with helium ahead of the big event.

Balloons range in size and shape, depending on the character and the pose created. The Minnie Mouse balloon debuting this year is 60 feet in height — roughly as tall as a five-story building — and 34 feet wide, about the width of five taxi cabs.

Many preparations are required around the holidays, and the day before Thanksgiving can be hectic. That’s true for planners of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The world shares in the tradition of the holiday.