Sleighbells are ringing in New York City

I love New York at Christmastime! So many tourists, enjoying all the wonderful decorations, the lights, the attractions and the shopping! I took some time last evening to get some of my shopping done, and made my way down fifth avenue, where the store displays at Saks and Lord & Taylor are legendary.

Every year they seem to get more and more interesting, and the people strolling and shopping just love them. Of course, you have to push your way through sometimes, but I was able to buy a few gifts and then took a walk through Bryant Park with my camera, trying out some available light photography.

They've put up a temporary winter playground, complete with outdoor fireplaces which were all in use by folks having a drink and some snacks.  Every year they set up a shopping village, with all kinds of handcrafted items, and lots of glassware, winter wear and neat holiday items. And there's an Ice Palace Bar! 

I saw a TV show about finland or norway, where they build a bar out of blocks of ice, and people wait on line to get in, the place was lit in blue and although the guests had to be freezing, they looked like they were having a great time. Bryant Park built a more melt-proof structure adjacent to the ice skating rink, complete with a balcony overlooking the ice, and a giant heater over each table.

Unbelievably, it was not there a month ago, it's put up for the holidays and disappears after new years! Only in New York.

I finished up by walking through Rockefeller Center, the christmas tree is New York's most famous, and the crowds so thick you can barely move. I love it, though, because it is so festive, and it's free! I stopped for a moment and a couple asked me to take their photo, I put my package down on the ledge and obliged them, and then went on my way. A few minutes later, while I was admiring the swarovski star on top of the tree, I noticed the same couple running towards me to give me the bundle I'd forgotten! My faith in angels renewed, I continued on my merry way to Henri Bendel's to check out the Roberta Chiarella jewelry counter, making sure it's fully replenished for that last minute rush.

Even though the economy is not great, people are shopping, and we're doing our part, putting lots of items on sale and offering gift wrap and other specials for our customers. The Angie Earrings have been doing so well, we've reordered from the factory and have plenty in stock.

We'll pack and ship like crazy, to make sure everyone gets their gifts on time. We want everyone to have their present christmas morning, it's a promise I made to Santa!  Ciao.