Christmas in New York

New York is known for many things this time of year.  The 74' tall Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center, ice skating rinks all around the city, window displays in shops all along Fifth Avenue....tourists EVERYWHERE.  Even the subway performers have stepped up their game lately.  Now they bring their entire family (babies included) with them, and typically it is the father who is doing the serenading and the mother/child combo collecting the money.  This child may be strapped to the mother's body.  If they are able to walk, they are also able to give you the most heart wrenching look that prompts you to hand them all the cash in your pocket.  Gets me every time.

Shopping here really stresses me out.  It takes such effort to get anywhere, and you can't ever get everything you need in one place.  I have ordered everything I can possibly think of online, but there are still items I have to physically go pick out.  So I have decided to split up my sprees into random week nights, when the chance of crowds is at its lowest.  Additionally, I have figured out how to go into a department store....Bloomingdales, for instance...and not be harassed by sales people.  You go right after the gym, without showering, in the same sweaty clothes you just lunged in for an hour.  They won't come within five feet of you, so you are guaranteed a pleasant browsing experience.  Works every time.

A few things to look forward to over the next several weeks include a.  Santa Con (this coming weekend, thousands of Santas will be scattered about the city acting like complete fools)  b.  ugly Christmas sweater party in New Jersey  c.  more Christmas shopping  and d.  going home again.