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Last Wednesday I did what I usually do this time of year, I took a trip into New York City to see all the phenomenal Christmas decorations and immerse myself in the holiday energy that is like no other place I've ever encountered.

As you all know I LOVE New York City, but I love it even more during the holidays because Christmas in New York makes you feel like a kid again; reminding you to stay curious, playful, and to believe in miracles.

Also, do you know how when you were a kid and would look at everything wide-eyed because everything seemed bigger than life? Well, that's how New York makes you feel, even as an adult; especially at Christmastime because it's BIGGER than life. No matter how many times I go, I usually spend my entire day looking up at everything and saying, "WOW!"

Please enjoy the many photographs I took during my eight hours in my favorite city.

And remember to always hold a part of you, childlike...




Lion in front of the New York Public Library

Every year I like to stop by Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas decorations and massive tree, which are always faaaaaabulous! However, the day I decided to go just so happened to be the day (that night) when they ceremonially light the tree. But there was no way I was going to walk back that night because I knew the crowds would be insane. So, I decided to take pictures without the lit tree, and then go back later this month to take more.

Needless to say, it's almost impossible to get a clean shot of the decorations and tree because there are always ten million people standing there, blocking your view.

Here is a group of people taking photos. *notice the gentleman (third from the right) who looks like Bela Lugosi's Count Dracula. OMG...do you think he could get his face anymore morose?!?! I kept thinking he was going to leap out and bite my neck.



Anywho...when they finally finished taking their pictures (an hour and a half later), I was able to get this quick shot of Rockefeller Center at Christmas...



Also at Rockefeller Center




Bergdorf Goodman Christmas Windows 2018
*the windows #bergdorfgoodies this year are spectacular!













Store windows along Madison Avenue
*isn't the architecture stunning?


I saw this platform pump in a shoe store window and had to take a picture.
Look at the heel on that thing! It looks like a shoe a drag queen would wear while lip syncing to Diana Ross, "I Will Survive."


Doorman at the Plaza Hotel


Only in New York would you see a store window display in which a live mannequin sat in the window listening to music, while meditating on a yoga mat.



These final three shots are of my favorite place in Central Park, Bethesda Terrace. And I especially love it during the autumn/winter months because the grey sky and shedding trees bring out its exceptional beauty and ambiance. This place always feels sacred to me.


The Bethesda fountain and angel...



Hope you're having a beautiful holiday everyone!
X

28 comments:

  1. Your pictures are stunning as always, Ron! Thanks so much for sharing. I love your shot of Rockefeller Center without all the people in the way (and yes, that sour-looking man is the spitting image of Bela Lugosi). I also really like the bows tied around the buildings in your first shot. Doesn't get more festive than that!

    I love that you have an excuse to go back to NYC soon. Not that you need one!

    Have a great weekend, my friend!

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  2. Ron, these pictures are AMAZING! You have such a great eye for capturing the perfect photographs, bringing out the feeling of what you see through your camera lens. That first picture of Cartier is incredible, as well as Tiffany! I laughed at your reference to the gentleman in the photo looking like Bela Lugosi's Dracula because he does. LOL! Bergdorf's windows are stunning. I wonder how long they plan for those windows?

    You final three shots of Bethesda are breathtaking. Yes, it does look like a sacred place.

    Thanks for sharing, Ron. Your love for NYC always shines through.

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  3. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Oh to be there again this Christmas. It was lovely to see the places I had the pleasure of visiting - twice. I reckon the guy who resembled Bela Lugosi deliberately set his features like that lol.

    Did I tell you about the small gift of shaving cream I bought for Joe from Tiffanys, He was so pleased with the gift he never used it, he said he would rather look it than use it and chuck it just because it came from Tiffanys.

    Was that really a live mannequin? Gosh if I sat like that for ten minutes I would be crippled.

    Thanks again for the photographs, Ron, you knew I would love them, didn't you?!

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  4. How amazing are these photos!?! The shot you got at Rockefeller is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing all the store windows and displays, as I highly doubt I will ever visit at Xmas. BUT, would you believe my son and his gf are going there next week to celebrate his birthday? I'm super excited for them AND jealous!

    Your shot of the fountain with the trees in the background is so pretty. It reminds me of rainbow sherbet! XO

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  5. Thank you, Mark :) I had so much taking these pictures. I took some with my camera and some with my cell phone. I kept switching back and forth!

    " (and yes, that sour-looking man is the spitting image of Bela Lugosi)"

    Isn't that funny? The second I looked at him I thought of Bela Lugosi as Dracula - HA!

    That first shot is of the jewelry store, Cartier. They always so such an amazing job decorating the exterior to make it look like a box with a red ribbon around it.

    Yes, I'll be going back to NYC next Weds. or Thurs.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaabulous rest of your week and weekend!

    X to you and Tara

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  6. Thank you, Candice :) I've always been interested in photography. Even as a kid my mother would always buy me a new camera and film for Christmas. I've never taken classes on photography, I just learn as I practice.

    Aren't Cartier and Tiffany faaaaaaaabulous? So beautifully decorated!

    The second I laid eyes on that gentleman, I thought of Bela Lugosi as Dracula - HA!

    I don't know exactly when Bergdorf's starts planning their Christmas windows, but I imagine they start immediately after Christmas for the next year.

    Bethesda Terrace/fountain is my absolute favorite section of Central Park. It's such a gorgeous spot!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrrrreat rest of your week!
    X

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  7. Good morning Valerie!

    Isn't Christmastime in New York INCREDIBLE? It's such a special time in that city because everything seems bigger than life and extra-exciting. God, I love that city!

    "I reckon the guy who resembled Bela Lugosi deliberately set his features like that lol."

    HA! You're right, I bet he did. The second I saw him I thought of how Bela Lugosi looked in his iconic role as Count Dracula.

    "Did I tell you about the small gift of shaving cream I bought for Joe from Tiffanys, He was so pleased with the gift he never used it, he said he would rather look it than use it and chuck it just because it came from Tiffanys."

    OMG, no...you never did, but that's such a great story!!! Tiffany also had their own line fragrances. I loved the women's version, but didn't care for the men's. However, I loved how they were each packaged in a beautiful teal/blue box. Tiffany's always does everything so classy.

    "Was that really a live mannequin? Gosh if I sat like that for ten minutes I would be crippled."

    Yes, it sure was. I just so happened to walked past that store window (which was on 5th Ave) and spotted him sitting there. I quickly took two pictures because I wanted to capture him sitting there like that. Luckily, the second after I took the second photograph, he opened his eyes, stretched his arm, and slowing stood up. It was an ad for their sportswear. Pretty genius!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a lovely rest of your week!
    X

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  8. Thank you, my friend :) Isn't the way Rockefeller decorates each year AMAZING? It's always so impressively gorgeous!

    "I will ever visit at Xmas. BUT, would you believe my son and his gf are going there next week to celebrate his birthday? I'm super excited for them AND jealous!"

    OMG....how FAAAAAAABULOUS is that!!! And I know that he and his girlfriend will have such a wonderful time because the energy in that city this time of year is incredible! I hope he takes lots of photos to share with you and your husband!

    "Your shot of the fountain with the trees in the background is so pretty. It reminds me of rainbow sherbet!"

    HA! Yes, you're right, it absolutely does!!!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic rest of your week!
    X

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  9. Ron, these photos are awesome -- they make me feel like I'm right there! You know, the only time I've ever been to NYC was during Christmastime, so yes, I understand exactly what you mean about it making you feel filled with childlike wonder. Everything is so big (kind of like Texas, ha!), and there's so much color, music, sound, and light. I imagine most of these stores start preparing their holiday displays for next year as soon as they take them down the previous year.


    I giggled at the live mannequin, but that shoe makes my feet hurt and I'm not even wearing it! How do folks teeter on those things anyway? Give me my moccasins, sneakers, and Uggs any day!


    The Central Park shots are gorgeous, especially the angel statue. I can see where that would be a favorite spot of yours.


    Happy rest of the week to you, my friend! xx

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  10. Ron, these photos are fanfriggingfabulous! Wow...you really out did yourself! How do you get your photographs so crisp and clear? Do you edit them at all?

    I know how much you love New York and it's so evident in this post, especially at Christmas time. I really do need to get my ass to NYC sometime, and I should do it around the holidays because it seem extra special. I know that my girlfriend would love it too. She's an artist who really likes city life.

    Those last several photos in the park are incredible! They have such a cool feel to them.

    Thanks for sharing, dude. Looking forward to more.

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  11. A morose face and yet he's posing for a photo. That's funny.

    I will hand it to NYC, they go all out fro Christmas. And I know you are right in your element. I'm glad you get to go up there frequently for visits.

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  12. Aw, thanks, Matt :) New York inspires me so much to take pictures because there are so many interesting things to photograph. I always feel so creative and inspired whenever I'm there. I took some of these photographs with my camera and some of them with my cell phone. I then upload them to my home computer and play around with them. I will crop, resize and even embellish them using editing software.

    I think (know) the you and your girlfriend would love visiting New York. It's got such a great creative vibe and energy. And even more so during Christmas.

    I love that area in Central Park; especially during the fall and winter months because it gives it a wonderfully GOTH feel.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. I will be going back to NYC next week sometime.

    Have a super weekend!
    X

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  13. Helloooooooo there Debbie!

    " You know, the only time I've ever been to NYC was during Christmastime, so yes, I understand exactly what you mean about it making you feel filled with childlike wonder. Everything is so big (kind of like Texas, ha!)"

    Yes...exactly...kind of like TEXAS!!!! I didn't know that you had visited NYC during Christmastime, that is SO cool! So, you can totally understand what I mean about how GRAND everything is during that time.

    "I imagine most of these stores start preparing their holiday displays for next year as soon as they take them down the previous year."

    Yes, they do. They are usually a year ahead of time preparing for the following season. And every year they make things different so that it's not always the same. That's why I love to visit Bergdorf Goodman's windows...every year they have a completely different theme.

    Is'n't that shoe HIGH? OMG...I can't imagine walking in that heel for any length of time. I agree, I'm a sneaker-person on my days off, and then very comfortable dress shoes for work because I'm on my feet all day.

    Bethesda Terrace is such a special place because it literally feels sacred to me.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great rest of your week and weekend!

    X

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  14. "A morose face and yet he's posing for a photo. That's funny."

    HA! Yes...and that's exactly why I was laughing as well. And if you look at the photograph, the people on the right are all morose, while the three on the left are all SMILEY :)

    NYC is extra faaaaaaabulous during the holidays because it feels magical. I'm so glad that I live close (an hour and a half) away, so that I can visit often. I usually go 1-2 X per month.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great weekend!

    X

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  15. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comFriday, December 07, 2018

    NYC really knows how to do Christmas! Fabulous shots. I really love the autumn colours behind the angel statue. And yes - Count Dracula!! Too funny.

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  16. Yes, they sure do, Fiona! I think that everyone at sometime should experience Christmas in New York at least once in their life.

    Bethesda Terrance and the angel fountain is my favorite spot in Central Park!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a lovely weekend!
    X

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  17. Oh my god, Ron, I laughed my ass off about the gentleman who looked like Bela Lugosi because you are spot on, he DOES! And I love how you shared a picture of the costume. HILARIOUS!

    Your photographs are INCREDIBLE, every single one of them! The first one of Cartier is amazing. The red really POPS! You make me miss living in New York so much in sharing this pictures because that's one of things I miss, Christmas in the city. Like you said, it's magical!

    Bethesda terrace and the angel fountain are so beautiful!

    Thanks so much for sharing your time in the city you love the most, NYC!

    Have a wonderful week, Ron XO

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  18. Fabulous photos, Ron! You really know how to capture the energy and feeling of NYC through your photography. You always nail it! We I was a kid growing up on Long Island, my parents would always take us into the city via train in December to see the tree at Rockefeller Center and all the store windows. It was my favorite part of the holiday because once we got to the city, it finally felt like Christmas!

    You're right, the windows at Bergdorf this year are stunning! OMG!! I can't even comprehend how much preparation goes into creating and building those windows every year. I also love the photos you captures of the store fronts on the East side of Manhattan. That pump heel is scary high. Yikes!

    Thank you for sharing this pics, Ron. You always make me proud to be a New Yorker!
    X

    Are you enjoying the cold weather? I am!

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  19. Hola Denise!

    HA! I couldn't resist, the second I saw that guy I immediately thought of Bela Lugosi as DRACULA!!!

    I spent most of my time on the East side of the city (Fifth and Madison). I also walked through Central Park to 76th Street. I will be sharing photos of the Carlyle Hotel in a future post because I also visited there. It's such a gorgeous building and so GRAND!

    Bethesda is simply the best. It's such a GRAND landmark that has so much history

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope you had a terrific weekend.

    Have a FAB week!
    X

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  20. Aw...thank you, Elaine! I feel very in tuned with New York so I find it exciting and very easy to take pictures. It's such an amazing city!

    "hen I was a kid growing up on Long Island, my parents would always take us into the city via train in December to see the tree at Rockefeller Center, Macy's and all the store windows. It was my favorite part of the holiday because once we got to the city, it finally felt like Christmas!"

    Oh how FANTASTIC! You know, the very first time I ever went to New York City was when I was 14 years old and took a school trip from Philly to see the Christmas show at Radio City Musical Hall to see the Rockettes. It was at that exact moment that I feel in love with that city and knew I wanted to live there, which I did.

    Truly, the windows at BG this year were beyond genius. I stood there looking at each window, trying to see every detail. AMAZING windows!!!! I have no idea how much prep they do to get those windows ready for the holidays, but it much be a lot. And I'm sure they start planning for the following year at the end of the year.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor. Hope you're weekend was great!

    X
    YES!....you better believe it..I am SO enjoying this COLD weather. OMG...I love it!!!!

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  21. Hey, Ron, what a fantastic set of photos! You've almost got me--of all people!--enjoying the winter!

    Seriously, brother, nobody shoots the Big Apple like you do and I'm so glad you came here during the holidays to get all these beautiful pictures. I spent the entire time reading this post saying "WOW!" You could turn most of these images into Christmas cards.

    You were smart to avoid the tree lighting. I wound up in that area quite by accident several years ago and it was like being carried off by a tide of humanity.

    I love how you shot Bethesda Terrace--it looks so beautiful even at this time of the year. You should try shooting Coney Island in the winter. That would be a real challenge!

    Great job, buddy, and what's up with the Bela Lugosi clone? That guy looks like he could scare the Grinch right out of his socks!

    Take care!

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  22. Hey there Rob!

    HA! Almost!!!! But you have to admit that New York City during the winter holidays is so special because it's utterly magical!

    Thank you, glad you enjoyed the pictures of your faaaabulous city. New York always inspires me to see things in a certain way. New York brings out my eye for photographing things.

    "You were smart to avoid the tree lighting. I wound up in that area quite by accident several years ago and it was like being carried off by a tide of humanity."

    OMG...even when I arrived in NYC at 10:30 AM, the streets where flooded with policemen and women getting organized on on the street corners along 5th Avenue for security. I don't think I ever saw that many NYC Police in one area in my whole life.

    "You should try shooting Coney Island in the winter. That would be a real challenge!"

    YES, you're right...I absolutely should. GREAT idea! I follow a New York photographer on You Tube who has shot a lot of pictures an videos on Coney Island (winter and summer)

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a grrrrrrrrrreat week! And I'm planning to spend several days in NYC in early January on a mini vacation. So when I make my reservation dates, I'm email you to see if you would like to meet in the city for lunch for something. I'll be staying an Airbnb.

    X

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  23. Spectacular, as always! NYC certainly goes all out in its Christmas decorations. I loved every one of your photos. They are simply magical. You are soooo right about that man looking like Bela Lugosi! Not sure he could have scowled more for the camera! And my feet hurt just looking at those ridiculous shoes! I love your positive outlook and hope you continue to have a wonderful Christmas season.

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  24. Thank you, Lisa :) Between my cell phone camera and my Canon Rebel, I took over 90 shots that day. On the way home on the bus, I went through and deleted a bunch of them that came out blurry because I was taking pictures so fast.

    Isn't the expression on that man hilarious? He looks like an unhappy vampire - HA!

    The heel that shoe is so high, I don't know how anyone could were them for any length of time.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Hope your vacay to the tropics was faaaaaabulous! Looking forward to hearing all about it and seeing your photos!

    Have a great week and happy holiday!

    X

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  25. Damn Ron, these pictures are outstanding! You really know how to capture the essence of New York. Love the Bergdorf windows. The picture of Rockefeller Center is incredible. Love the intensity of the red in the first photograph of Cartier.

    Well done!

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  26. Thank you, Daniel :) New York City inspires me so much. I love that city with all my heart, so whenever I'm there, I FEEL its essence.

    I used a Canon Rebel t5. I got it several years ago and love it. The next thing I want to purchase is another lens because the one it came with is kind of limited.

    Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a fantastic weekend. Happy holidays!
    X

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  27. Hiya Ron,

    I have to agree with you!! After having visited NY on several occasions during the fêtes de noël, NYC is indeed THE PLACE for Chirstmas festivities... I was very fortunate this year to take my friends to see the Christmas markets in both Strasbourg and Colmar and I think in all of French, these two places are the best places to see at Christmas time.. Paris is also very festive at Christmastime, but I actually prefer NY.. .Hopefully, I will be back to see it again.. Cheers, Leesa

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  28. Hello there Leesa! It was so great to see your comment!

    Isn't Christmas in NYC the BOMB? But I have to say, your Christmas in Strasbourg and Colmar sounded faaaaaaaaabulous as well! Christmas in France must be glorious!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope all is well with you! Merry Belated Christmas and Happy New Year!

    Cheers and X

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