Wish Upon a Star

We're still taking a tour around New York City

looking at lights and decorations.

Today, I'll show you a few stars.

No, not celebrities but stars to wish upon!

Here are the stars that prettify Chelsea Market.

I like that they recycled paper, cardboard

and CDs and were successful in creating

a festive mood.

These are the stars at the Shops at Columbus Circle.

They change color and are quite mesmerizing.

Here's the UNICEF snowflake along Fifth Avenue

and 57th Street which is beacon of hope, peace and

compassion for vulnerable children around the world.

It really catches your attention and the meaning

behind it makes it all the more special.

Here's to a bright, hopeful and dazzling 2011!

Cheers!

The Rockefeller Christmas Tree

Thanks for dropping by today!

Have you been enjoying our trip around New York City?

Today, I'm taking you to the mother of all

Christmas trees...we're going to Rockefeller Center!

From Fifth Avenue, these angels welcome you.

Here's the 74-foot tree on the eve of

the tree lighting ceremony.

And here it is, all lit up.

It really takes your breath away!

Even if I have to wrestle with the crowds,

I don't mind making the trip to see this tree.

It's truly worth it!

And what I love about it is, it's a New York tradition.

You know for certain it will always be there -- in glorious

times or in times of recession.

It's really a symbol of hope -- that for a moment we can

forget our troubles and that things will be better!

A TADA! Christmas Tree

One tradition I like doing during the holidays is to

walk around any city to admire the lights and

decorations.

Here's what I found at Chelsea Market in

New York City:

It's a Christmas tree right up my alley!

If you look closely, it's made of CDs!

Totally blah to TADA!

Lincoln Center Christmas Tree

New York City is one magical place, especially

during the holidays.

All this week, we're visiting the Christmas trees

that decorate the city.

This one is located right across Lincoln Center.

They even threw a tree-lighting block party

complete with bands, circus characters & food!

So much fun!

Oh Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Well, hello there!

We'll take a break from crafting this week

because I know all of you a caught up in

the holiday frenzy.

If you can spare a few minutes this week,

I'll whisk you away and take you around

New York City.

We'll take a look at beautiful Christmas trees!

Today, let's visit The Plaza Hotel:

Here's the towering tree at their lobby.

Gorgeous, right?

See you tomorrow!

Have Yourself a Merry, Wishful Christmas!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Today, let me take you to the Macy's

Department Store in New York City.

You'll find this mail box inside the store.

Everyone is encouraged to write a letter to Santa.

I wrote one together with many children & adults like myself!

For each letter received, Macy's will donate $1 to the

Make-a-Wish Foundation.

They want to collect a million reasons to believe.

Whatever your wish this Christmas, I hope it comes true.

Just believe!

Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus

I hope you've been enjoying our tour of New York City

where we get to peek into the holiday window display

of different shops.

Today, it's Macy's turn!

The Macy's windows are always entertaining

because of the lights, narration and music.

You move from window to window and the

story unravels before your very eyes.

This year's story: "Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus."

Our story begins here, at the very top of Virginia's house, where the little girl and here pal Ollie delight in a magical book about Santa Claus. Ollie wonders how Santa can be flying all over the world when he's on the street, ringing a bell. Off they go to see.

Meanwhile, Virginia's Mama and Papa have coffee downstairs. It's their turn to wonder -- at a newspaper headline! Could trains under the street be real? "If you see it in THE SUN (newspaper), it's so," says Papa, as he has so often before.

Virginia and her friends gather in a nearby courtyard. They admire her book, happily recalling what Santa brought them at Christmas past.

"Grow up," sneers Charlotte, an older girl with a worldly air. "You can't prove he's real. Face it, Virginia. There is no Santa."

The children's belief dwindles at these harsh words, but Virginia has something else in mind.

To the library the friends go for proof that Santa exists. With the help of the kindly librarian, they discover that, whether called FATHER CHRISTMAS, CINTER KLAS, BELLSNICKLE, KRIS KRINGLE or just plain CHIMNEY JOHN, Santa is beloved the world over.

And yet -- still no proof. Poor Virginia! "But," asks the librarian, "If Santa doesn't exist, why do children everywhere believe in him? Why indeed?

Maybe Papa knows! His logic isn't convincing but the newspaper on his desk reminds Virginia of his oft-requested words, "If it's in THE SUN it's so."

That's when the eight year old writes the letter that has become nearly as famous as Santa. And she waits...and waits...for a response.

Worried for her little girl, her mother says gently, "Believing in Santa isn't something you prove. It's something you do. When you are kind to others that makes Santa real. That's the proof." Virginia ponders, could that be true?

Still pondering, Virginia encounters a scraggly shivering "Santa" collecting coins for charity. The poor soul gave away his coat to someone in need.

Recalling her mother's words about being kind to others ("That makes Santa real..."), Virginia returns with a new, warm and cozy red overcoat she bought using money from her piggy bank. Deeply touched, the grateful man tells Virginia, "Today you're Santa Claus."

Meanwhile at THE SUN, the editor contemplates little Virginia's letter. How to respond?

Finally, the proof is printed in black and white, to be read all over!

"Yes, Virginia," proclaims THE SUN. "There is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love, generosity and devotion exist."

"A thousand years from now, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood."

All is well and joyous in the world, and belief reaches higher and deeper and wider than ever before!

But wait...who is that portly, bearded gent in red, with a twinkle in his eye? Can it be? Yes Virginia...

I hope you find your Santa and become a Santa as well.

Merry Christmas!

A Magical World

Our stop for today's holiday tour around

New York City is...

Saks Fifth Avenue

Unlike the past, the windows of Saks Fifth Avenue

this year is more subdued -- no storyteller or

musical effects.

But fascinating, nonetheless.

It's about an adventure of this little girl

into a world that blends fashion and fantasy.

Let me show you in pictures:

Don't you wish you could be this little girl?

Have a nice day everyone!