If you know me, you know that I LOVE Christmas! OBSESSED with Christmas. I start planning in the summer. Everyone of my children has a themed tree. We have a 12 foot tall Christmas tree in the family room(we call it the beast), a tree on the sideboard that only has picture ornaments of the kids that I decoupaged. There’s a two foot tree on top of the fridge that has gingerbread men and peppermint ribbon. Upstairs is a family tree made up of ornaments the kids made, keepsakes from vacation and ones my mom made for me. It’s a total of nine trees. Outside is equally as decked out. There’s even a 10 foot tall inflatable elephant with santa on his back. I really love Christmas but…..Christmas with grown up kids is different.
They live all over the country, they have to work on the holiday, or they have significant others who have families and it’s only fair to divide the holidays. We don’t have grandchildren yet (one day but hopefully not for a while). It’s quieter. We also live far from our families so there isn’t extended family celebrations to be absorbed into. I usually combat the quiet by inviting friends that also live far from their families over. We eat, drink, watch football, play games and be merry.
This year several of our friends are going home for the holidays. I’m also into less STUFF and more EXPERIENCES. I don’t need another purse or another pair of shoes. This year is a different year.
So, we are debating a trip to NYC. It’s my favorite city in the summer and I have been dying to see it in all of it’s Christmas glory. We were thinking of leaving on Christmas Day or maybe the day after. I’m deep into researching Christmas in NYC. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Is it the same experience right after Christmas? Or is it better to go before? Does anyone have any tips for ways to make empty nester Christmas more merry and bright?
OMG, I could not take my eyes off that tree (the beast 🙂 ) for a while. It looks absolutely gorgeous. Never been to NYC for Christmas but I have been in London. And it’s amazing there. All those decorations on the high street, the ringing of church bells, and the smells and sounds of the Christmas markets. Makes me want to go back.
New York? At Christmas! Very jealous. That sounds awesome. I’ve been just after New Years before so I get to see the Rockefeller Tree and the ice rinks before they’re taken down. It’s very cold though, I mean an icy breeze that find its way through EVERYTHING so take layers 😉
I’m from NY and I can tell you that winter in NYC is amazing, you feel the spirit for sure! But as for tourism it’s the worst, you can barely walk haha but it’s still Christnmas-y until New Years Eve even a few days after that too.
Oh, Christmas should be coming sooner. In Finland, where I live, October and November are very boring and weather is miserable. It starts to be better with Christmas spirit.
New York at Christmas must be pretty cool. Just think of all those movies being set in New York at Christmas – guess they know why: There’s the vibe, and it’s the season. Enjoy every minute!!
WOW, this made me miss my family back in India, for past 2 years i have not been with family as i work in Dubai. Over the past few years the way of celebrating Christmas has changed a lot. Yes traveling is one of them, to be honest flights and hotel rates just shoot up during this time of the year. So if you are determined to visit NYC then this is the time to make the bookings. Today we are in the last quarter of the year, make your bookings in advance. Have a great holiday look forward to your blog on your NYC trip 🙂
I love Christmas! I am all about it as well. We went to NYC last year a week before Christmas and it was amazing. If I was you I would go before so you can get into the holiday spirit even more. I wrote a post about our experience. Go check it out on our site.
I’ve only been to NYC in the cold of February and October. But I can only imagine how wonderful it would look decorated for Christmas. Sounds like a fun exciting trip!
You should absolutely visit NYC around Christmas time. I personally think before is better. After Christmas, the decorations are still up, but the atmosphere is different. Before Christmas, the holiday music is on and the air is buzzing with holiday cheer.
WOW! You really go all out for Christmas. As far as NY goes, I would suggest going early, definitely for the lighting of the tree at Rockafeller Center. It is awe-inspiring.
Wow, you plan Christmas way too early but that’s how we do it in my country too. LOL. Glad to know you are more into different experiences than stuff. Thanks for posting.
I should say, we are on the boat when it comes to loving Christmas. I do plan for Christmas but we usually dont stay at home. I have never spend Christmas without my family since I got my birthday on the same day.
That tree looks amazing! NYC is on my list for Christmas. Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ By any chance you are interested on doing collaborations, you can check out the collaborations portal of Phlanx.com and connect with amazing brands!
OMG, I could not take my eyes off that tree (the beast 🙂 ) for a while. It looks absolutely gorgeous. Never been to NYC for Christmas but I have been in London. And it’s amazing there. All those decorations on the high street, the ringing of church bells, and the smells and sounds of the Christmas markets. Makes me want to go back.
London is HIGH on my list! I’ll be asking you for a bucket list from there when I go.
New York? At Christmas! Very jealous. That sounds awesome. I’ve been just after New Years before so I get to see the Rockefeller Tree and the ice rinks before they’re taken down. It’s very cold though, I mean an icy breeze that find its way through EVERYTHING so take layers 😉
Never been to NYC. Planning a trip next may for the WITS Conference. Not for Chrismas though. That Christmas tree looks lovely.
Thank you!
That is a lot of trees! Where do you keep all the decorations?
If you love Christmas, you’ll love NYC at that time! Tons to look at! Make sure you go see the Rockettes and go ice skating!
My whole attic is full. 😬. But I love it! Thank you! Rockettes are a must!
I’m from NY and I can tell you that winter in NYC is amazing, you feel the spirit for sure! But as for tourism it’s the worst, you can barely walk haha but it’s still Christnmas-y until New Years Eve even a few days after that too.
I expect the crowds. I know it will be crazy. I’m hoping if I go see the tree during the day it won’t be awful.
Oh, Christmas should be coming sooner. In Finland, where I live, October and November are very boring and weather is miserable. It starts to be better with Christmas spirit.
I live in Texas and it stays hot into November. It can be hard to get into the spirit sometimes.
New York at Christmas must be pretty cool. Just think of all those movies being set in New York at Christmas – guess they know why: There’s the vibe, and it’s the season. Enjoy every minute!!
WOW, this made me miss my family back in India, for past 2 years i have not been with family as i work in Dubai. Over the past few years the way of celebrating Christmas has changed a lot. Yes traveling is one of them, to be honest flights and hotel rates just shoot up during this time of the year. So if you are determined to visit NYC then this is the time to make the bookings. Today we are in the last quarter of the year, make your bookings in advance. Have a great holiday look forward to your blog on your NYC trip 🙂
I’m not from the US, and have only been a few times to NYC, but in the summer. Christmas looks pretty at that time of year, you should go!
I’ve been in the summer a few times! I love it and I think it would be magical at Christmas!
I love Christmas! I am all about it as well. We went to NYC last year a week before Christmas and it was amazing. If I was you I would go before so you can get into the holiday spirit even more. I wrote a post about our experience. Go check it out on our site.
I will!! Thank you!
I’ve only been to NYC in the cold of February and October. But I can only imagine how wonderful it would look decorated for Christmas. Sounds like a fun exciting trip!
You should absolutely visit NYC around Christmas time. I personally think before is better. After Christmas, the decorations are still up, but the atmosphere is different. Before Christmas, the holiday music is on and the air is buzzing with holiday cheer.
WOW! You really go all out for Christmas. As far as NY goes, I would suggest going early, definitely for the lighting of the tree at Rockafeller Center. It is awe-inspiring.
I can only imagine how amazing that must be!
Wow, you plan Christmas way too early but that’s how we do it in my country too. LOL. Glad to know you are more into different experiences than stuff. Thanks for posting.
I should say, we are on the boat when it comes to loving Christmas. I do plan for Christmas but we usually dont stay at home. I have never spend Christmas without my family since I got my birthday on the same day.
Do you like having your birthday on Christmas?
Nice Christmas tree! Definitely having a colorful one for our family earlier this month! Just love this ber months
Me too!!
That tree looks amazing! NYC is on my list for Christmas. Thanks for sharing ♥️ ♥️ By any chance you are interested on doing collaborations, you can check out the collaborations portal of Phlanx.com and connect with amazing brands!
Xoxo,
Tiffany
Awesome! Thank you!