Special Treat!

I have a special surprise for you all today. One of my bucket list items is to visit NY during Christmas. To skate on the ice rink in Rockefeller Center, see the huge Christmas tree, catch a Rockettes show and just absorb the sights and sounds of a NY Christmas. Well today, my good friend, Laura, (I have mentioned her before,  see photo below of us many Christmases ago), is going to talk about my bucket list wish in actuality.

She lived there for two years during her Masters. I asked her to write a post for you all today about her experiences in NY during Christmas. Take it away my good friend!

Hi Everyone!

My name is Laura, I am a longtime friend of Megs and a faithful follower of her blog. I was excited when Meg asked me to contribute to her Christmas in NYC post, because there is so much to share. I recently moved back to California after going to grad school in New York at NYU (and am currently job hunting any fellow social workers out there, hint hint!).

I was in a 2-year Masters program in NYC, so I got to spend 2 Christmas seasons in the city! When I wasn’t studying, I was able to enjoy all that the city has to offer. The first thing I thought of when Meg mentioned Christmas in New York was something very cool I got to do last December. My boyfriend, (aka my Adam…get it..ha!) was given tickets to the tree lighting ceremony in Rockefeller Center! It is basically a party that is thrown each year by Tishman Speyer, who owns Rockefeller Center. I didn’t really know exactly what this would entail, but I knew that I wouldn’t have to stand outside in the cold for hours to see the lighting of the tree, so that was a start. When we got there I was completely shocked because not only were we taken downstairs where there was a nice dinner and drinks, but there was also a door that led to the ice rink! When I saw this I freaked out, because I hadn’t even imagined that we would be able to go out onto the ice in front of the tree, and be able to watch the singers who were performing for the NBC special. This night was definitely special for Adam, a new comedian and I, the social work grad student because clearly those two professions don’t bring in a load of cash for fancy events, hehe. We had dinner, went out and watched some of the performers including Josh Groban & Mariah Carey and then went inside for dessert and to warm up. Then we got to see the lighting of the tree! Here are a few photos from the night:

There are so many other things to do and see in New York around Christmas time. Obviously SHOPPING! And walking up and down 5^th avenue to look at the famous window displays is another touristy attraction. Side note and speaking of shopping, New York is a great excuse for these:

 Hunters! The boot socks are a must, and can save you in the cold. My Adam (hehe) gave these to me for Christmas last year, and I’m glad I got some use out of them before moving back.

I also have many memories of walking in Central Park in all of the seasons, but winter in the park is magical. Everywhere you turn there is a photo to be taken, or something new to see. You can also spot kids with their families sledding, which is so cute. Here are 2 of my favorite photos that I took in Central park during the winter:

Wollman Rink-seen in many movies like Serendipity, Home Alone 2, August Rush

The Mall- also in many movies, and beautiful each time of year. When I moved to NYC, my mom told me to take a photo of a certain spot each season. I chose this spot and framed them all and gave it to her last Christmas. It was a hit and I have done them for gifts, so feel free to email me if you are in the market!

New York is a great place to visit. It is definitely different than any other place I have visited and can’t wait to go back. It is also a difficult place to live at times, and I missed my family and friends a ton while I lived there. I learned that you can live in one of the most exciting places in the world, but if you don’t have your loved ones to share it with, it isn’t as perfect as you might think. I was a great adventure though!

I will leave you with a few more photos. Definitely go visit, and if you need any food or travel tips feel free to email me at LStunden@yahoo.com

 An example of why Christmas in New York might not be always as glamorous as it sounds. Imagine shoveling your car out of that before work! Yikes!

Thanks again Laura for your post! All her images are her own so no stealing unless permission is given first. Also have you entered the giveaway for the rosette necklace in either teal or red made by the beautiful Jamie? You have until Friday to enter. Also after a few comments about yesterday's post, I need to clarify, Sean and I do not lead a bible study each week. That particular week our leader asked us to take over for the day. Hopefully sometime in the future, we can lead a bible study together, which would be awesome but for now, we were leading just that week :-)