Mulling it over....

It's Friday and school is out for the winter break.  The final push to get to this day is always a lot of deadlines and projects due.  For me, it's mulling over what to do. It's a funny time of year.  In NYC, what any other time of year you may do without thought, the multitudes of people make every outing more challenging.  Spending a few hours in midtown on Wednesday, was fraught with maneuvering the streets and sidewalks without incident. There are people pushing, shoving, texting, yelling, singing, begging, and shopping. You can hear the clang of the Salvation Army workers' bells all over town.  

From the outside, you'd think that the stores were packed and unbearable, but from my shopping experience this year, the stores aren't that crowded.  The people are out in hordes, but the stores aren't packed.  Going into the stores is a respite.  I went into a brand new Daffy's and there was no one in the store.  Maybe people don't realize it's there.  Bloomingdale's over the past weekend was busy but not overwhelming as in other years. The mega Toys R' Us in Times Square was busy but not crazy over the top.  For those who may not know this, there is a huge ferris wheel inside the store.  Usually, packed, but on this matinee day, there were empty cabs going around and around.  

Believe me, I love NYC at this time of year.  Shopping has never had anything to do with it.  It's beautiful and wintery. This year, we have had an unseasonably warm November and December. Maybe that's why there are more people outside than inside.  The decorations throughout the city make it more beautiful than it is during every other time of year. We do do the holiday lights here better than any other place I've seen.  

Enjoy this time with your friends and family.  I may be quiet for a bit, but I will still be ranting and ruminating somewhere.

Sidebars:  The X Factor finally got rid of Marcus Canty. Down to three and the finals are next week.  At least there is one new show on television next week.  If you didn't get a chance to read a fellow bloggers column the other day, here is the link.  I have said before and I will say it again, I wish that I had written it:

http://fromhiptohousewife.com/2011/12/15/hannukah-it-just-aint-christmas

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