Santaland

Another one of the Very Important Things on our list of things to do before leaving New York City was taking Ellie to Macy's to meet Santa Claus. As it has been said, the Macy's Santa is the one true Santa, so we knew she just had to go before we left town. We decided not to waste any time with this matter and headed in to Herald Square as soon as we possibly could the very morning after Thanksgiving.

Sure, we knew it was a gamble - Black Friday crowds could be atrocious and make the line epically long. I was really hoping, however, that insanity would be on our side, in that no sane parents would actually bring their kids to Macy's Herald Square on Black Friday, so the line wouldn't actually be too bad. I'm not sure if that's what helped or if Santaland is just a well-oiled machine, but we really did move through the whole thing quite quickly, and it was every bit the magical experience we hoped for.

Santa is here!

Before you enter Santaland, the line snakes around in front of the Santaland Express. The Conductor pleasantly shouts instructions and the elves smile and chat with you as you wait. When you finally reach the train platform, you ring the bell and off you go!

The conductor shouting instructions to the passengers

Ellie dressed in her Christmas best and ready to board the Santaland Express to the North Pole!

Ring that bell, Ellie!

After ringing the bell, you walk through a train car, complete with the sound and feeling of the tracks rumbling beneath your feet (a rather nice touch, we thought). Then, you disembark at the North Pole and step out into a winding wonderland of fun, whimsical holiday creatures in all sorts of festive scenes.

Left: Ellie and Eric arriving at North Pole Station

Right: A fish-pop vendor

Snowman choir

Only 308 more gnome steps to Santa!

Detour!

The countdown to Christmas

In front of Santa's flight map

I have to say, Macy's did a good job of making waiting in line fun, and we were ready to meet the Big Guy in seemingly no time at all. The elves ushered us back into Santa's little room, where Ellie plopped down on his lap, totally unfazed, and posed for her very first picture with Santa:

I could tell Ellie was quite excited about the whole thing, and not only did we leave with a great picture as a souvenir, we also each got a button to prove we met the man himself at Macy's.

I met the man himself at Macy's Santaland 2012!

As I mentioned earlier, Macy's Santaland really is a well-oiled machine. I was impressed at how quickly everything moved and the great lengths they went to to make it (and made sure it stayed) perfectly magical for the kids (and adults, for that matter). It was a great Santa encounter!

And, it left Ellie all tuckered out in her adorable little Christmas outfit.

Sweet Christmas baby feet

However, Macy's has not been Ellie's only Santa meeting this year. We also hit up the mall with Achilles in tow to get a full family photo with the man in red:

And then, upon our arrival in Florida, we went to the annual Angelini Christmas Party (the Angelinis photographed our wedding and Ellie's baptism and have become great friends over the past five years), where Santa once again made an appearance.

(Photo by Jason Angelini Photography)

At this rate, Santa will be old news to Ellie by the time Christmas actually gets here! But so far, overexposure doesn't seem to have dampened her Christmas spirit one bit. I think she's ready to see what Santa will bring her for her first Christmas! And I suppose he better get it right, given that she's had three opportunities to tell him what she wants, right?

My Christmas sweetheart!

(Photo by Jason Angelini Photography)

Favorite NY Memories #9: Hugging Tim Tebow

Not only is hugging Tim Tebow one of my favorite New York memories, it's one of my favorite life in general memories. I actually added "Hug Tim Tebow" to my bucket list, thinking there would be no way I would ever be able to complete such a goal. But I did.

My love for Tim Tebow has been well-documented, and I even hung out in front of the Best Buy Theater (or rather, the Nokia Theater at the time) on the night of the Heisman Trophy presentation two years in a row (2008 and 2009) to catch a glimpse of him (the second year, he even got to see me walk into a parked car, because I am super smooth). But, these sightings left no time for hand shaking or autographs, much less hugs. But then, in May 2011, Tim Tebow was named the new spokesperson for Jockey and was scheduled to attend a Jockey event at Macy's in Herald Square. Among other things, this event offered people the opportunity to take a picture with Tim. As soon as I saw that on the little promotional flyer, I had that event marked on my calendar as Hug Tim Tebow Day. This was my chance!

Eric and I arrived at Macy's two hours early and were able to secure numbers that would get us a photo with Tim. With our prized photo tickets in hand, we were able to watch the Jockey fashion show taking place in Herald Square before it was photo and hug time. But before we knew it, the moment was upon us.

This little card might as well say, "YOU ARE GOING TO MEET TIM TEBOW!!!"

There he is!

Eric went first, shook Tim's hand and got his photo.

Hottest picture ever? Yes, I believe it is.

And then it was my turn. I walked right up to him, introduced myself and asked for a hug. AND THEN WE HUGGED. And it was glorious. The man is an excellent hugger.

We then posed for our picture, I mumbled some completely ineloquent things, and then it was all over. But, boy oh boy, my day was MADE.

Me with TIM TEBOW.

It should not surprise you that Tim was completely gracious, friendly and welcoming. And hot. And awesome.

Although my Tim Tebow Hug was my most favorite celebrity encounter in New York, Eric and I really debated this item number on my countdown because there were so many other wonderful celebrity events, too. Some were chance encounters, like running into Tracy Morgan at our grocery store (regularly!), or meeting Joe Biden just last weekend.

Ellie and Joe Biden

Some were red carpet events, for movie premieres or awards ceremonies (the Tony Awards were a favorite celebrity-watching event of ours).

Top row: Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Matt Damon

Bottom row: Al Pacino, Paul Rudd, Sarah Jessica Parker

Others were planned events, like book signings or official public appearances.

Top row: Tom Hanks, Nick Offerman, Joe Montana

Bottom row: Darren Criss, Rainn Wilson

Other times, we caught people filming movies or television shows.

Top row: Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin filming 30 Rock; Lea Michele and Kevin McHale filming Glee

Bottom row: Willie Garson filming Sex and the City 2; Matthew McConoughey filming The Wolf of Wall Street

But the one event that really tried to give Tim Tebow a run for his money on this countdown was the Dexter Season 5 Finale party. I went to the party for the Season 4 Finale in 2009, but Eric was out of town so he missed out on the free food, drinks, and meeting Desmond Harrington ("Quinn"). So, the next year, we made sure we were both going. The Season 5 Finale party was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Times Square, and Eric and I went early to secure a spot at the event. It was well worth the wait, as we ultimately ended up being among the 100 or so enjoying free (strong) drinks and food, meeting cast members and watching the season finale with them. It was awesome.

Enjoying some Dexter-themed cocktails at the party

Me with Jennifer Carpenter ("Debra Morgan") and David Zayas ("Sgt. Batista"), and Eric with Lauren Velez ("LaGuerta")

Yet, despite all these super fun celebrity encounters, Tim Tebow still wins out overall, taking the ninth spot on our countdown. As if there was ever any doubt, am I right?

To read more about the events in this post, click here for Tim Tebow, here for the Dexter finale party, here for our NYC Celebrity Sightings List and here for a complete selection of red carpet events.

Fashions Night Out 2012

As you may recall, back in 2010 we sort of stumbled upon the fun that is Fashions Night Out, a night in which all the stores on Fifth Avenue, in SoHo, etc. open their doors and basically throw a big party. We ate caviar, we drank champagne, we rubbed elbows with celebrities. It was one of our favorite New York City nights. Last year, my sister was in town for Fashions Night Out, so we once again hit the red carpet in Rockefeller Center and took advantage of the evening (although it was much more crowded than the year before). This year, given that we have a baby and all, we weren't sure it would work out for us. But hey, our baby is awesome, so why not give her a night out like the baby fashionista she is?

We decided we would choose just one or two things to try to do this FNO, as most things didn't get started until 6:00 p.m. or later and we run a pretty regular 8:00 bedtime in this house. When I saw that Darren Criss would be making an appearance at Saks, I knew that was our event. My baby is a documented Darren Criss fan, so she donned one of her more fashionable outfits and we were off to Fifth Avenue.

Ready for a fashionable evening!

Unfortunately, we were too late for Darren - by the time we arrived, they weren't even letting people get in line anymore. I was afraid that might happen, but wasn't willing to sacrifice Ellie's afternoon nap for the sake of lining up. So, what can you do? We'll have to catch Darren next time.

We left Saks and went over to Rockefeller Center to check that out. They had their red carpet set up, with models lined up along the Promenade. They also had photo booths so you could get the full red carpet paparazzi experience.

With Ellie on the red carpet

Ellie and Eric in Rockefeller Center

Models on the Promenade

Posing!

We stopped into Papyrus for some hors d'oeuvres and champagne. At last year's FNO, I was pregnant (although it was not yet public knowledge) so could not partake of all the free booze. This year I made sure to make up for lost time! (Responsibly, of course.)

Looks like I'm not the only one who wants in on the champagne action.

We then went over to Nine West, where Nigel Barker and Chrissy Teigen were scheduled to appear. Nigel was there already but Chrissy Teigen ran late, so we didn't get to see her. But, they gave out cake pops that kept Ellie occupied for some time (through the wrapper - no cake was actually consumed by babies).

Nom.

This was Ellie's first time at Rockefeller Center and Radio City, so we made sure to document the occasion.

She's in awe!

Alongside Radio City Music Hall

Next it was down to Macy's to see what was happening there. They had another red carpet set up in Herald Square, and some music playing outside. We had to stop for photos and a little dance party, naturally.

Photo op!

Girls on the red carpet, and Ellie's first dance party!

Inside, we saw Clinton Kelly, drank some vodka, and then saw Bachelorette Emily Maynard and her chosen man, Jef Holm. Ellie's first celebrity sightings!

Left: On the wooden escalators in Macy's

Right: Clinton Kelly

Jef and Emily

It was nearing 8:00 by that point, so we called it a night and made our way home, where our sleepy little fashionista went right to bed. Once again, she was so good the entire time we were out - at worst, she was just hanging out in our arms, and at best she was looking around, smiling and talking. She rocked it!

Another fun NYC night in the books!

My Mom's Visit Part 2: Holiday Windows

After knocking out the Rockefeller Center Tree and the Rockettes on Night #1, the second day of my mom's visit could be devoted to...well, everything else. (Okay, maybe not everything else, because this is our fourth Christmas in NYC and I'm pretty sure we still haven't seen everything, but you know what I mean.)

We started our day at 34th Street to check out Macy's. We first admired the "Yes, Virginia" store windows on the 34th Street side, then went inside and up a million billion escalators to the holiday shop on the top floor. Then we returned to the street to check out the "Make A Wish" windows on the Broadway side. The last window was interactive and you can create your own digital ornament to be displayed in the window. We didn't fight the crowds to do that with my mom, but Eric did give it a shot one night when he was late coming home from work and had some fun with it.

One of the Macy's "Make a Wish" windows

From there we continued north to Lord & Taylor, which had some of my favorite windows last year. They were quite nice again this year, with the theme "What is Christmas Made Of?" The window scenes were inspired by the artwork of NYC area children in response to that question, and their artwork was featured in the windows, as well.

Eric and my mom at Lord & Taylor

"Happy Everything" drawing by a NYC area child, featured in the Lord & Taylor windows

A portion of one of the holiday scenes

Detail on one of the holiday scenes

A window depicting a family hard at work baking Christmas cookies. My favorite part is the beagle!

The child's drawing that inspired the above window scene!

We then made our way northwest for a pass through Bryant Park. We wandered through the shops and took advantage of free samples (primarily of chocolate) when we could. Then we went across the street to Hale & Hearty for some soup before heading back out on our way.

We walked up Fifth Avenue from there, pausing at any windows that struck our fancy. We checked out the Saks windows, which again, I did not think were their best work. The windows this year tied into the "Bubbles and Snowflakes" light show they have on the exterior of the building, and we already discussed my feelings about that yesterday. I miss the old snowflake light show, and the adorable windows from our first couple of years here, including Mike, the first original snowflake. I guess bubbles just aren't my style.

We also paused at the Tiffany's windows, which were much more elaborate this year than they have been in years past, if memory serves. They featured a carousel theme, and the windows were all framed to look like they were a part of a merry-go-round. The displays themselves were tiny but incredibly elegant. Well done, Tiffany's. 

Windows at Tiffany's

Having some fun with the little mirrors on the window frames

One of the displays...oh, you want to give me that little blue box tied with a red ribbon for Christmas? Hey, who am I to argue?

Close-up of another Tiffany's window, featuring a miniature of their store and a large blue gem wrapped in a diamond bow.

Of course, we also saw some of my other Fifth Avenue holiday favorites, including the big lighted bow on the exterior of Cartier, and the UNICEF snowflake suspended above the street.

I love that snowflake.

We also spent a good bit of time admiring the window displays at Bergdorf Goodman. They are also just so intricate and frankly, spectacular. This year's theme was "Carnival of the Animals."

Two of Bergdorf's windows

This window display was made entirely of paper. On the left is a more general shot, on the right is a close-up of one of the paper animals. Incredible!

We then made our way east to Barney's, which was a must-see for me. Their windows this year were entitled "Gaga's Workshop," and Lady Gaga herself contributed to their design. They were everything you might expect from windows designed by Gaga, including one called "Gaga's Boudoir," in which everything in the display was made out of hair. Nothing says "Happy Holidays" quite like a room covered in hair, am I right?

Store entrance to Gaga's Workshop at Barney's

Gaga's boudoir, made of hair

Close-up of a stool made of hair in Gaga's boudoir

Another Gaga window

We then stopped at Bloomingdale's, whose windows this year were inspired by their iconic shopping bags. They also had stations where you could stop and have your photo taken to be uploaded to their Facebook page. We did take our photo, but never did find it on Facebook!

I have always wanted to take my mom to Serendipity for some frozen hot chocolate, and we were right in the neighborhood and ready for a snack at that point. So, we stopped over to check out the wait time, which was THREE TO FOUR HOURS. Holy cow. So, we skipped Serendipity. Goodness!

Instead of sipping frozen hot chocolate, we hopped on the subway and went down to the Washington Square Park area, where we stopped for cupcakes at Molly's Cupcakes (that place Eric and I discovered on a recent date night). The cupcakes were so good. We might have to make that place a regular stop.

My mom and me sitting on the swings at the bar at Molly's Cupcakes

My Ron Bennington Cupcake. Heavenly.

Feeling refreshed from our cupcake break, we walked over to Washington Square Park to check out the Christmas tree there. Unfortunately, it wasn't lit yet, but my mom had never seen that park so it was a nice stop anyway. While we were there, a young man started playing the piano right there in the park. It was beautiful, and just one of those "man, this is a really cool city" kinds of moments.

You can see the (unlit) Christmas tree and Empire State Building through the arch

Pianist in Washington Square Park

VIDEO: Pianist in Washington Square Park

We were about ready to call it a night at that point (holy long day, Batman), but on our way back to the PATH train we made sure to take my mom past the Friends apartment building. Hey, we have to cram in all the sights we possibly can!

When we got home, we went out to pick up some wine (for Eric and my mom, of course) and ordered in a pizza. We spent the rest of the night relaxing and playing Rock Band. Good times!

Achilles was happy to have us all home, especially my mom. He adores her!

Isn't Christmas in NYC great? There's just so much to see!

Coming up tomorrow: Less Christmas, more sightseeing, including the 9/11 Memorial, the Stock Exchange (okay, that's Christmas-y) and Hoboken. Stay tuned!