Do you know the saying, "Less is more?"
Well, that's not the case in New York City. In the Big Apple the saying goes, "MORE is MORE."
Now normally I'm a minimalist who agrees with less is more. However, whenever I'm in New York; especially during the Christmas season, I am in love with "MORE is MORE."
Nobody does Christmas like New York. It's like experiencing an overdose of LSD and steroids while taking a trip through Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. It is truly WILD!
Last Sunday evening, I got a spur of the moment impulse to book a bus ticket for New York City so that I could photograph what it's like at Christmastime. Being in retail, I knew that it would probably be my last visit before the New Year because of how busy I'll be in December. Yet, I didn't realize there was a weather forecast for rain on Tuesday. And when I say rain, I mean a friggin' MONSOON. And it wasn't just the rain, but also the severe wind in the forecast that concerned me. But I had already purchased my ticket, which I couldn't exchange, so I decided to go and enjoy myself inspite of the weather. Which I did - even though the rain and wind were non-stop, so that every single inch of my body got soaking wet - and that for eight hours I had to hold an umbrella in one hand and my camera in the other to take a picture. Here's a shot to give you an idea of the weather that day...
But hey...it was worth it because I was in my favorite city on the East Coast during the Christmas holiday!
And actually, I think the gray, rainy day added something to these images. It gave them a magical, wintery-feel.
Please enjoy Christmastime in New York City...
Rockefeller Center
*I love the silver and gold flags
*I love the silver and gold flags
*the picture at the head of this post is also Cartier
Anthropologie
I spotted these brightly colored and warm-looking slippers at a Christmas kiosk in Bryant Park. Aren't they cute?
I spotted these brightly colored and warm-looking slippers at a Christmas kiosk in Bryant Park. Aren't they cute?
Even the royal lions in front of the New York Public Library get decked out for Christmas!
New York City department stores are notorious for being widow-display-competitive during Christmas when it comes to having the BEST holiday windows. Traditionally, Bergdorf Goodman always wins, yet I have to say...to me, Saks Fifth Avenue this year was beyond faaaaaabulous! The theme was "The Land of 1000 Delights" and "The Nutcracker Sweet." And you can't see it in these photographs because they're still, but each window is animated. I have not used the video recorder on my new camera yet, so I couldn't figure out what button to push while holding my umbrella and trying not to get wetter than I already was. Plus, I couldn't see clearly because I could not reach my reading glasses. But even still, just look at how brilliantly festive and creative these windows are...
I took this final photograph while walking to my bus. I just so happened to look up at the Empire State Building and caught this view. It was as if the top of the building had mysteriously vanished into a foggy Gothic mist...
Have a magical and beautiful weekend everyone!
X
I'd say you are right, "more is more!" There is nothing that even approaches that out here.
ReplyDeleteAll of your photos are beautiful, and the last one is amazing! Great post Ron...
Ron, I nominate this post as BEST EVER, because the photographs are fabulous. I have looked through them three times already and love them all. It was a Christmas shopping spree that first took me to New York - I remember it sooo well. Oh how I wished I could afford some Ferragamo shoes! I really like the shades on the Harry Winston building and, oh hell, what's not to like in New York. Considering the rain (which, I agree, adds a certain beauty to the pics) I think you did very well with your camera. I would have spent more time sheltering from the wet stuff.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, my friend, and thanks for cheering up a dismal day.
These photos are magnificent, Ron! You can feel the Christmas magic! I would love to visit NYC this time of year. As a child, we used to go downtown to see the animated store windows of the three dept. stores. All those stores are long gone and out of business now, but those windows really stuck with me.
ReplyDeleteHope the holiday shoppers are behaving themselves where you work! XO
Ron, I always enjoy your photographs, but these are magnificent! You really captured the essence of Christmas in New York. Oh my god, the one of Harry Winston is amazing! The first picture of Cartier looks like it was taken in Europe, it's so beautiful! And the last one of the Empire State Building is gorgeous! You make me want to go to New York City for the holidays!
ReplyDeleteI can't even decide which one of these photographs are my favorite because I love them all, Ron! Your photography keeps getting more and more impressive over the years. Many of these pictures look editorial, as if they came from a professional magazine. You're right about Bergdorf Goodman always winning the best windows at Christmas. But I have to agree with you, Saks windows are amazing this year! When I was a kid, my mother would take my sister and I into the city to see all the Christmas window displays. We would also go to Macy's to visit Santa. Oh what fun memories!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I are planning a trip into Manhattan this month to visit family and take in the sites. You are so right, nobody does Christmas like New York! You always make me miss it.
Great post, Ron x
I'd say you are right, "more is more!"
ReplyDeleteHa!...isn't it incredible, Pat? Christmas in New York is like nothing else. And not only in how it looks, but also the energy you feel. I always feel like a kid when visiting this time of the year because I get all wide-eyed and giddy, just like a child.
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a super weekend!
Hello there Valerie!
ReplyDeleteI had so much fun going to New York (even with the rain) and then coming home, spending yesterday editing my photographs and then putting this post together.
Isn't New York AMAZING? Especially during Christmas!
"I really like the shades on the Harry Winston building and, oh hell, what's not to like in New York. "
HA! I agree, what's not to like about New York. I had never noticed the Harry Winston building in past years of visiting during the holidays, so it may be something new they did this year. The second I saw it, I grabbed my camera and took a picture because I was awestruck by how beautiful it was!
"I think you did very well with your camera. I would have spent more time sheltering from the wet stuff."
Aw...thank you :) I did spend periodic moments inside, eating lunch and having some coffee. But most of the time I was outside taking photographs because I was determined to not allow the rain to ruin my day in the city.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a lovely weekend!
X
Thanks you, my friend :) I had so much fun in New York that day; reveling in Christmas. And because of the rain, the city was not as crowded as it normally is, so it made walking everywhere much faster.
ReplyDelete" As a child, we used to go downtown to see the animated store windows of the three dept. stores. All those stores are long gone and out of business now, but those windows really stuck with me."
Same here! Every year, my mother would take my brother and I into Philadelphia so we could see all the window displays in the various department stores - Gimbels, Strawbridge and Clothier, and Wanamaker's - we had so much fun!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaabulous weekend!
X
P.S. the holiday shoppers haven't gotten bad as of yet. usually that starts happening about 10 days away from Dec. 25th., when everyone is in a hurry.
Thank you, Candice :)
ReplyDelete" Oh my god, the one of Harry Winston is amazing!"
Aren't decorations AMAZING?!? It looks like an illuminated wedding cake - ha!
You're right, that first shot of Cartier does look as though it was taken in Europe!!!
" You make me want to go to New York City for the holidays!"
There is no place like NY for the holidays. And it's funny because even though I go every year, I still get ALL EXCITED to be there!
Have a super weekend, my friend, and thanks so much for stopping by!
X
Ron, these photos remind me of the ONE time I was in NYC. It was Christmas-time, and I was blown away by the animated window decorations. And the lights! And all the colors! I know you're partial to New York City at *any* time, but having seen it -- just briefly -- during the holiday season, I have to say THAT is when you should visit!!
ReplyDeleteI suppose any place that bills itself as "The Big Apple" can't afford to scrimp when it comes to decorating for Christmas, right? You did an amazing job holding an umbrella in one hand and your camera in the other to get these lovely shots! I don't particularly enjoy being outside in a driving, windy rain, so I hope you protected yourself from a nasty cold.
Have a festive weekend! xx
I think NYC is magic all year long, but doubly so at Christmas. Even when it's windy and raining. The window displays alone would be worth the trip! I'm glad you got to go exploring once more before the New Year, Ron. And I agree: more IS more!
ReplyDeleteAnother stealth visit to my home town! Dang, Ron, I'm going to have to put a GPS unit on you so I know where the hell you are!
ReplyDeleteJust kidding! I realize your schedule is about to get all nutsy. I'm just sorry I couldn't join you and I'm really sorry you had to do your thing in that hideous storm!
But you did get such fantastic pictures, so what's a little rain between friends? The photos really put me in the holiday mood, which ain't easy for an old grinch like me. And that last photo of the Empire State Building looks like something out an old film noir classic!
Great post, buddy, and your "less is more" line reminded me of a quote by the architect Robert Venturi who liked to say "less is a bore!"
Take care, mon ami!
Hello Elaine!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet words :)
"You're right about Bergdorf Goodman always winning the best windows at Christmas. But I have to agree with you, Saks windows are amazing this year!"
Aren't they faaaabulous? When you get into the city, please don't miss Saks windows. And bring a camera because you'll want to take pictures!
"When I was a kid, my mother would take my sister and I into the city to see all the Christmas window displays. We would also go to Macy's to visit Santa. Oh what fun memories!"
We did the same thing in my family each Christmas season. It was something I really looked forward to when I was a kid. Isn't funny how when you're a kid, Christmastime seems to take forever to get there. But as an adult, it's comes and goes so fast.
Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. Have a grrrrreat weekend!
X
Hey there Debbie!
ReplyDelete" I know you're partial to New York City at *any* time, but having seen it -- just briefly -- during the holiday season, I have to say THAT is when you should visit!!"
Yes, you are absolutely right about that! If anyone was going to visit New York City for the first time, Christmas would be the time to do it because it's AMAZING!
And yes, The Big Apple does everything BIG; especially Christmas!
Thankfully the temperature on Tuesday was rather warm and humid, so I didn't get chilled resulting in a cold. I actually saw people walking around the city in shorts, can you believe that?
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a festive weekend too!
X
Hey there Mark!
ReplyDelete"I think NYC is magic all year long, but doubly so at Christmas."
Yes, yes, yes...absolutely! And somehow, even when it's windy and rainy, it never dampens my love and excitement for being there :)
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaabulous weekend!
X to you and Tara!
"Another stealth visit to my home town! Dang, Ron, I'm going to have to put a GPS unit on you so I know where the hell you are!"
ReplyDeleteHAHAHHAHA! GPS....Rob, that's hilarious!
And I promise, the next time I visit the city, I will be sure to let you know in advance so that we can meet up for lunch. I usually make these trips spontaneously and during the week, so I just assume you're working. However, the next weekend I have off, I'll let you know.
"And that last photo of the Empire State Building looks like something out an old film noir classic!"
Yes!!! You're absolutely right, it does look very old film noir!!!
"and your "less is more" line reminded me of a quote by the architect Robert Venturi who liked to say "less is a bore!""
HA! LOVE that saying! And it's especially true about New York City, where MORE is MORE!
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a superb weekend!
Ciao
X
Ron, you really outdid yourself with these photographs, they ROCK the house! That last one is amazing! Don't you love when you see an image and are lucky enough to capture it at the perfect moment?
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit New York at Christmastime. Those windows at Saks are incredible. The creative energy that runs through that city must be mind-blowing!
Great post, dude! Thanks for sharing.
"Isn't funny how when you're a kid, Christmastime seems to take forever to get there. But as an adult, it's comes and goes so fast." Yes Ron, you are so right about that. It's seems that the older we get, the faster time flies!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to asking in my first comment, but did you get over to Radio City Music Hall/ It's so festive during the Christmas holiday!
Thank you, Matt :)
ReplyDelete"Don't you love when you see an image and are lucky enough to capture it at the perfect moment?"
Yes, I do! It's a magical moment!
Being a creative person like you are, you would LOVE New York City because the creative energy is beyond amazing. I always feel so creatively inspired after visiting the city. I come back all energized and inspired!
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent weekend!
X
No, and it's so ironic you mentioned Radio City Music Hall because it was on my list of visits, but I TOTALLY forgot. DAMN! I so wanted to get a picture of the Christmas tree over the marquee!
ReplyDeleteNY really goes to town on Christmas decorations. Thank you for braving the elements so we can enjoy these marvellous shots and sights!
ReplyDelete"NY really goes to town on Christmas decorations."
ReplyDeleteIt sure does, Fiona! It REALLY goes to town. It makes me feel like a kid all over again:)
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a terrific weekend!
X
Christmas is the one time of the year when "more is more" is true for me, too. I adore Christmas lights and decorations and the spirit of it all. It just makes me happy! I love the festive city photos!
ReplyDeleteLOVE these photographs, Ron!!!! No one can express themselves by words or picture like you can about New York! It's as if you were born there. Where do I begin? The opening shot of Cartier jewelers is just gorgeous! The ones of Ferragamo, Harry Winston and Anthropologie are so professional looking, they're amazing! I'm curious, did you visit the windows at Bergdorf Goodman? How were they this year? The pictures you shared of Sak's windows are incredible. I bet they were even more incredible to see in person.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you didn't allow the bad weather to stop you from having fun and taking pictures. You're right, the gray and rainy weather did create something special in the pictures.
Anytime you post something about New York, you make me excited and proud to have been born there.
Have a wonderful weekend, Ron x
" I adore Christmas lights and decorations and the spirit of it all. It just makes me happy! "
ReplyDeleteOMG....meeeeeeee too! And even though I'm in retail, where Christmas can become very commercial and material, that does not (and has never) affected the way I feel about Christmas. Like you, it's the childlike "spirit" that makes me happy about Christmas! For me, it will always be a very special and festive time of the year.
And I also LOVE listening to Christmas music; never tiring of it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a beautiful weekend!
X
Hola Denise!
ReplyDelete" It's as if you were born there."
Yes, and that's exactly how I feel about New York City. From the moment I visited, back when I was a teenage, I immediately felt like it was "my" city; as if I had been born there.
I love to shop Anthropologie too. The one in New York is faaaabulous. But I have to say that the one in Philadelphia (their flagship, original store) is my favorite because of the building itself. The store is actually an historical Philadelphia mansion that was transformed into Anthropolgie. It's stunning!
"I'm curious, did you visit the windows at Bergdorf Goodman? How were they this year?"
Yes, I did visit but didn't think they were as incredible as Saks. They were designed with a jungle theme. They were very nice, but not as spectacular as Saks.
Even with the rain, I had a GREAT time in New York!
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope you're enjoying a wonderful weekend!
X
Spectacular photographs, Ron! If I were ever going to visit New York City, I think Christmas would be the best time to visit, especially on my first trip. I can feel how amazing the city is just from your pictures. I keep going back to the Harry Winston picture and looking at it. Those decorations are amazing! The windows at Saks are magical and fabuloso!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to know that in spite of the nasty weather, you enjoyed yourself and were able to take pictures to show us Christmastime in New York City!
Love that final photo!
Hi Ron
ReplyDeleteGreat to meet you :-) You have a beautiful blog!
NYC is one of my favourite cities in the world - I've been there three times in the past 2 years and would love to be there at Christmas time.... I'd brave the cold to see such festive sights.
Best wishes
Nat
Hey there Nat! Nice to meet you too! I was delighted to discover your blog. Your photographs are amazing!
ReplyDelete"NYC is one of my favourite cities in the world - I've been there three times in the past 2 years and would love to be there at Christmas time.... I'd brave the cold to see such festive sights."
Isn't NYC faaaaabulous? The sights, the energy. I lived there for five years many years ago. I now live in Philadelphia, so I visit a lot. I hope to one day move back.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Have great day!
X
Hey ho Robert!
ReplyDeleteThank you :) I had so much fun taking these pictures and putting this post together.
Yes, Christmastime in NYC is the BEST time to visit because everything seems bigger than life!
I had not ever seen the Harry Winston store in past years, but I'm so glad I did on my recent visit. I was awestruck by how incredible the decorations were!
"I'm happy to read that in spite of the nasty weather, you enjoyed yourself and were able to take pictures to show us Christmastime in New York City!"
I was determined not to allow the weather to dampen my love for being there.
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have an awesome week!
X