It's Christmas Time in the City...

I am so inspired this “Black Friday” I went out among the crazies …not for the big screen TV's , or BOGO’s but, for the experience (however, I did bag a very unexpected bargain at Bath and Body Works before 7 am).As I stepped out the doors the snow was flying and my shopping bag was filled with cinnamon spice candles and luxury lotion in holiday wrap.
While promoting Tracy ’s Trips among the masses I was most taken by a single mom. Amy said I‘m in it for the experience . Exactly I thought ! How many people have said my husband is unemployed ,I’m a single mom ,I don’t have money to shop. New York is too expensive……thus my inspiration for It’s Christmas in the City.
 Start out in Rockefeller Center at the Weekend Today Show …bring your signs ,wear antler ears and Santa hats ….donate a pair of mittens or a toy to The Today Show’s Toys for Tots. You may even find yourself dropping your gift into a Santa’s sack held by a celebrity….have your  camera phones ready! Grab a famous New York Bagel and coffee from a street vendor.
Watch the ice skaters glide by the gilded Prometheus’s [another Kodak moment] Snap a memory in front of the Rockefeller tree  [Don’t miss the tree lighting Wed Dec 2nd on NBC 8 pm] Last year I captured my Christmas card photo of my “little angels" in front of the Heralded Angels. Cross the street to St Patrick’s Cathedral and see the crèche and holiness of the season.
For here head to Dylan’s Candy Bar [the world’s largest candy store. Owned by Ralph Lauren’s daughter Dylan] A great one of a kind gift is the candy time capsule …if you grew up in the 50’s-90’s [Black Jacks to pop rocks] they have a collection of treats to bring back sweet childhood memories. Chilly? Slip into Serendipity and experience “Frozen Hot Chocolate” a staple on Oprah’s favorites (Oprah knows chocolate!) [ I'll admit a unique $$$ drink] They also have a very unique gift shop for the Santa in you.
 Take in the natural winter beauty of Central Park ..don’t miss the skaters at  the Wolfe Ice Rink [think always featured in Christmas movies ] The Tavern on the Green will be twinkling among the trees…..doesn’t have to cost a lot how about  a salad and diet coke or dessert and coffee. See Columbus Circle and Strawberry Fields Splurge: Horse and Carriage ride around the park blankets included !
 Buy a $7.00 fun pass for the subway to ride all day long. Take the train to Vesey Street and visit the sacred ground zero and the sobering reminder of this American tragedy at St Paul ’s Chapel . Check in on the progress of the 9-11 Memorial. And the Cross formed from the beams of the World Trade Center. Just steps south of the memorial is the bargain designer mecca “Century 21” Next take in Lady Liberty from the decks of the always free Staten Island Ferry.
Take the subway to Little Italy where you can enjoy the Little Italy Christmas Parade on Mulberry and Hester. Strolling Christmas carolers fill the red and green lite streets with holiday cheer. Hungry?  Have a slice of deep dish pizza and some sangria. Save room for canoli and cheesecake…http://www.littleitalynyconline.com/christmas.php
[If you are keeping track of the money trail we have only spent money on food]
Take a right on Canal street for an amazing “Shopportunity” and it is knock off heaven…haggle until you get your price! Still need to get your shop on?
It’s getting late grab your complementary store window walking tour up 7th avenue to take in all the tricked out holiday windows and  lights. Don’t miss the Christmas Cottage [pick up an NYC Christmas ornament that you will enjoy year after year] christmascottage.com/
The lights are bright on Broadway...Toys R Us Ferris wheel deserves a whirl.
At last, visit the Miracle on 34th Street to see Santa. Meet us near Macy’s  and sleep your way back home…with visions of sugar plums in your head and money left in your new designer knock off purse you nabbed on canal street!