The streets by the park were pretty desolate but the afternoon light on the bare trees was gorgeous.
We picked up some hot cocoa and wandered down the next 30 blocks along Central Park and through the Upper West Side, gaping at the stately, elegant townhouses and the ornately decorated hotels on Central Park South, tripping over tourists and staring in wonderment at the extravagant window displays at Bergdorf Goodman and all the other gleaming, sparkling displays at the stores closed for the day along 5th Avenue- Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Cartier, Saks, all the way to majestic St. Patrick's and the mobbed Rockefeller Center where everyone was straining to get a view of the big Christmas tree and bustling ice skating rink.
It was like a scene out of the Times Square New Years Eve bash- glittering lights illuminated the bundled up swollen crowds surging and jostling with each other, stumbling over wailing kids in strollers; motorists, pedicab drivers, chauffeurs, and yellow cabs stalled at intersections; the sweet acrid smell of burnt hot dogs, pretzels, and nuts combined with honking cars and jingling bells into an electrifying commotion.
Despite all that, everyone seemed to be in good spirits, smiling for photos and patiently shuffling through the crowds. With the dark, foreboding economy and recent bitter weather, it was a cheery inexpensive way for everyone to enjoy the lights and natural beauty of New York.
Although we promised no gifts to each other, Paul definitely outdid himself. He bought me a shiny fancy new digital camera (!!!!), and then made a delicious roast chicken for our Christmas dinner! I have to say I feel a bit spoiled...
I do feel bad though since my small stocking stuffer gift for Paul still hasn't showed up, so he had nothing to open for Christmas!! :(
Here's to a happy, prosperous 2009!!
