December isn’t complete for me without a visit to New York City for all its glorious sights, sounds and views. Each year there is a slightly different focus that catches my attention — the magnificent large crystal snowflake floating over the intersection of 57th Street and 5th Avenue, the mile high tree at Rockefeller Center, a dusting of snow on Central Park ponds with lighted skyscrapers for a backdrop.

But it is always the visual imagery of this marvelous city that draws me back, engages me and helps dust off the cobwebs in the brain.

From 5th Avenue’s luxury “emporiums” to small boutiques on and off Madison Avenue — nothing can compete with New York’s holiday windows. They provide that invigorating and refreshing charge that makes the three and a half hour train ride down all that more worthwhile.

All-white scenes seemed to be the order of the day. From Bergdorf Goodman…

…to Ralph Lauren.

And two uptown boutiques (almost across the street from each other) played on a gingerbread theme.

The reflected brownstone facades actually serve as a perfect backdrop for the holiday confectionery house.

And always, strolling the side streets of the UES turns up some of those singular images that add so much to my brief visit…festively decorated facades of New York townhouses.

A well-recognized name emblazoned on a jaunty color-of-the-season awning with exuberant window box planting.

Another window box with glorious amaryllis (no surprise, it is one of my favorite florists), topped with a formal stone plaque.

Finishing with some holiday color in a window that gives new meaning to visual imagery…Bergdorf Goodman just couldn’t resist.

May your holidays be colorful and merry, and filled with good friends.