Christmas carries such personal traditions for each of us. One of mine is taking place this week — an annual mid-December trip to New York City. It wouldn’t seem like the holidays without this little journey — staying in a comfy hotel with city light views, dining in favorite restaurants and trying out new ones, going  to the Rockettes or a Broadway play, braving the crowds to catch a sight of the tree at Rockefeller Center and lingering in the front of the one at the Metropolitan Museum.

Basking in all the merry bustle, the glitter and the sparkle and the lights (nothing can quite match the huge snowflake suspended above the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street).

But it is the windows that so captivate me! Here is a sampling of this bejeweled theater from the emporiums for which New York is so famous — from Macy’s to Tiffany’s.

Bergdorf Goodman

“Destination Extraordinary,” BG’s 2016 windows are “delirious remakes of the classic dioramas seen in natural history museums,”  showcasing the work of specially commissioned artisans. (In my humble opinion, their last year’s window details, rendered in a total of seven million Swarovski crystals, are proving a hard act to follow).

Saks Fifth Avenue

For those with a sweet tooth…”Land of 1,000 Delights” is a nod to the fantastical imaginary land in the “Nutcracker” story.

Tiffany’s

Always known for their exquisite, small windows  throughout the year which the late Gene Moore began decorating fifty years ago. Who doesn’t remember the iconic movie, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s?”

Macy’s

And this is the New York store which first introduced decorated windows, way back in the mid-nineteenth century. In 2016, their theme “Believe” explores what Christmas means to a child (a tie-in to Macy’s campaign which raised funds for the Make A Wish Foundation). Santa’s getting ready — and some “asks” on his list are played out in 3-D.

Lord & Taylor

Peaceable Kingdoms and Enchanted Forests, Lord & Taylor’s windows capture  a collection of wintry scenes filled with spirited holiday animals.

Barney’s

Always with their singular point of view, laced with humor and creativity. This year, Barney’s perfect-for-photo-opps windows include a charitable angle…for each image posted with a specific hashtag, their New York Foundation will donate $5 to two charities (see link).

Since one needs all their strength to “acrobat” their way through Christmas shopping in New York, I’m listing my favorite choices for dining…

Tea
BG at Bergdorf’s (7th floor)
The Lowell
The Plaza
AND
Champagne at The Carlyle

Lunch
MOMA overlooking the garden
Marea
Nello

Dinner
The Clock Tower
Le Chat Noir
Polo Bar

Happy window wishing…