now a little something

to get you in the mood... holiday mood, that is!

The view from the St. Francis Suite in the Westin St. Francis Hotel at Union Square...

Ice skating rink? Check.
A wall of wreaths covering Macy's? Check.
One comically shaped and sized Christmas tree? You better believe it!

Of course, I loved Christmas as a child because of all the neat presents I received from relatives far away. Now that I'm older, I value the holidays not for the gift-getting but for the cherry atmosphere, the festive food, and the gift-giving... there's something really satisfying about finding uncommon gifts or the perfect present that makes a friend beam for days. Don't get me wrong, I like shopping for myself but I LOVE shopping for others. For instance - and I can disclose this because she already knows - Mumsy's delayed Christmas present (to be enjoyed next summer) is tickets to see Il Divo in concert. I strongly believe that there are just a handful of men she would drop everything for... we've already been to a Josh Groban concert and Il Divo (a group of four dangerously beautiful men) is coming up. Now if only I could find a way to get my paws on some Andrea Bocelli passes...

Oh and another plus about the holidays? The vacation time doesn't hurt!