Christmas Memories 2009

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Dean and I headed for New York City this year for Christmas. Dean had missed two big trips this year, because of his back, so I thought this would be a great Christmas present for both of us. Though we missed all of our wonderful family and friends, I know they forgave us, and we talked to all of them through Facebook, phone on Christmas, and now this blog.

We booked our room at the Doubletree at Times Square. The room had a terrific view, and the hotel is convenient to everything. Our first day was spent walking, riding in a carriage at Central Park, "shopping" at FAO Schwartz and Saks 5th Ave, watching the skaters at Rockefeller Center and Central Park, and topping the day off with the show, Jersey Boys. Of course, the music was great, and the actor for Frankie Valli had a great voice...loved the show.."Walk Like a Man......"

Day two brought a bus tour, one of those double decker, "Hop on and off", that saved us a few years back, when we went with Adam and Lori and the kids, during the transportation strike. We hopped off at the South Street Seaport, and had a wonderful lunch...then continued on the Brooklyn Loop and back to Downtown. We ended the day at the show, Wicked. A wonderful new story of Oz...the sets were amazing and the singing was fantastic..."Defying gravity.."

Day 3 was Christmas Eve, and after a morning of walking around Times Square and Toys R Us, we went to see the remake of White Christmas. WOW!!! It was just what you would expect from my favorite Christmas production and then some. The singers and dancers and costumes were just fantastic..David Ogden Steiers (Major Winchester from M.A.S.H.) played the General, and he was also wonderful.."We'll follow the old man..."   We walked to the Presbyterian Church on 5th Ave and enjoyed their Christmas Eve service of lessons and hymns. As you would expect in NYC, talented singers and musicians gravitate to the choirs of the local churches...we were not disappointed...great sopranos, tenors, and the organist was incredible. As we walked back to Times Square, we stopped off at the Stage Deli...the very BEST pastrami sandwich ever!!

Then, Christmas day...we grabbed a taxi to Madison Square Garden for a Knicks game. They played and lost to the Miami Heat. The crowd was typical New York and so much fun! Dean talked to all the family at Mom's house during halftime..and I got a voice mail and text from Adam and the kiddos...not our typical Christmas morning, but still loads of fun! Dean had left my "present" to open in Monticello...I told him not to fear, "Tiffany's" is just a walk away!! :)

Christmas dinner was a special meal at the Doubletree, and we ended the day at the Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular. The Rockettes were indeed the stars, and our friend, Kelly King, is still a member of this prestigious group.

Our final day in NYC was filled with rain..so we taxied to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. We, and about a million others!! We got the audio tour "stuff" and had a great time. We viewed the old masters, the American exhibit, the beautiful Christmas tree, the armor.....and so on and so on. We spent 5 hours and probably saw a 5th of the exhibits...what a wonderful place!

Before our final show, we dined at Ellen's Stardust Diner, and were completely entertained by the waiters and waitresses, who are aspiring Broadway performers. It is so much fun to watch them, sing, dance and deliver food..all at the same time. Our waiter had just returned from a 3 month tour...back to Ellen's to be "rediscovered". Our final show was Mama Mia...a terrific show with, again, some great songs, thanks to ABBA!! " I have a dream....."

The next day...back to La Guardia and our trip home...what a fantastic Christmas trip. Something about NYC.... Dean and I both agree, it was and will be a favorite trip of all times!!