Christmas is a time when family and friends come together to celebrate and catch up on the year that was, and whether it be a short distance from home or a longer journey, Christmas, for better or worse, usually means travel. In light of that we decided to put together a travel wish list of sorts – the 12 days of ‘Where in the US would I love to spend Christmas’.
On the 1st day of Christmas my true love said to me….Central Park New York City please!! There is something about a white Christmas, strolling down the streets of magnificent New York City and winding up in the snowy wonderland of Central Park.
The Christmas season of 1999 was my first NYC experience and one that I’ll never forget. Having been back many times since, my “first time” will always be the best time, and the Christmas holiday helped to make it that way.
We booked a hotel in Times Square, a tourist conduit for sure, but a great place to begin a big city adventure. A short walk to Rockefeller Center and I knew Christmas was upon us. I couldn’t resist a few laps around the famous ice skating rink with the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and festive decorations all around. Even laying flat on my back it was a beautiful scene! What can I say; I’m not the best ice skater!
If ice skating isn’t your thing then the department stores up and down Fifth Avenue are sure to get you in the holiday spirit – and who isn’t up for a little retail therapy now and then. Americans love their Christmas decorations and nobody does it better than the New York City department stores, from Saks, Macy’s, Bloomindales and others; a trip through these stores is like a visiting a holiday fantasy land.
With a quick trip back to the hotel to drop off all of our parcels, we anxiously set out for Central Park.
A light snow started to gently fall making our first white Christmas a reality. We soon found ourselves in a cosy neighbourhood bar in Midtown chatting over home made mulled wine with the friendly locals.
We shared many great experiences together in New York and while I have visited New York many times over the years since, this still remains one of my favourite memories of all time.
Check us out on Facebook to see our other favourite spots to celebrate 12 days of Christmas in the U.S.A.
