Christmastime in NYC

Christmastime in New York City......when the "greatest city in the world" really becomes the greatest city.  There really is no other place like it.  I've often found it strange that a city whose population is by far mostly Jewish goes all out for Christmas.  I really think that there's just something about this time of year that brings people of all religions and races together.  It's almost magical.  

This year we went back to NY the first week of December.  We did all our typical city things and now Savannah is old enough that she remembers our past trips so she even has an opinion about what she wants to see and do.  I decided to brave FAO Schwartz on a Thursday night and discovered that even during this time of year it was quite manageable to get through.  Walker was mesmerized with the train display.  He sat there and watched the trains go round and round for at least 15 minutes.  Savannah loved walking through the princess and Barbie sections.  As if their Christmas lists weren't already long enough, they sure are now.  

just a boy and his snowman watching the trucks go by

train heaven

Friday morning started off with the kiddos and I going for a run in Central Park.  Poor little man was absolutely miserable.  He kept saying he was cold but he wouldn't keep his hat and gloves on so needless to say, it was a pretty miserable run.  We stopped by two parks during the five mile loop just to make it a little more enjoyable for them.  Afterwards we got dressed and braved the Fifth Ave madness and walked to our lunch at the American Girl Cafe.  Even in the mayhem the Christmas spirit was around.  We stopped to listen to a youth choir singing outside of St. Patricks Cathedral and we pushed our way through to see the ice skaters below the Rockefeller tree.

Rockefeller tree

The American Girl store was surprisingly less crowded than I expected.  We looked around, added more to our Christmas list, and made our way to the cafe.  The whole cafe experience was the same as every other time except I decided to do the birthday package for Savannah since we've never been able to go on her special day.  Of course she loved the extra attention and another chance to blow out birthday candles.  Walker was less thrilled but at least there was cake.

continuing the five year old celebrations

Walker's favorite part

Friday evening Savannah finally had her chance to go ice skating.  She has been dyeing to go for over a year now and to say that she was excited is an understatement.  She was over-the-moon ecstatic!!!  We went to Wollman Rink in Central Park in hopes that it would be the least crowded.  With it being her first time and with me being an awful skater we needed a place with lots of room to fall down.  This place was perfect for that.  She had a ball!!!  She fell down more time that I could count but after each time she picked herself up and wanted to keep going.  I preferred to stay on the outside close to a wall but not her.  She wanted to be right in the middle with all the more advanced skaters who were doing spins and skating backwards.  Our little girl is fearless!! And also a little too confident in her abilities or lack thereof.  Thankfully for me it started to rain or else she would have wanted to stay out there all night.

Saturday morning began with a six mile run in Central Park for me (thankfully with no jogging stroller) and then we all headed out to the Macy's at Herald Square to see Santa.  Really this is one of my favorite Christmas traditions.  I have yet to find a better Santa experience than the one here.

our hotel view of the foggy, rainy New York skyline

about the take the Polar Express to the North Pole

she had no problem jumping up on Santa's lap and telling him her wishes

just in case he forgets, she mailed him a letter too

Love the Virginia storefront displays

walking through Times Square

a giant Sven at the Disney store

taking in the sigts

cab ride out to Brooklyn for lunch

our old hangout sans kiddos, Bar Tabac

Sunday was our day to have brunch with the old gang.  We went back to Felix's where our rowdy group takes over the restaurant.  It's always so nice to catch up with everyone even if it's only for a couple of hours.  After brunch it's back to the hotel to pack and head to the airport.

city living Christmas tree shopping

the gang

these two......

best buds despite the miles between

Such a great weekend enjoying the sights and sounds of the city, getting into the holiday spirit, and seeing old friends.  What a great way to kick off this holiday season!!