The Farley Post Office at West 34th Street
In the sixteen years that I've been blogging I've had a semi-rule/tradition that I don't begin "Christmas in New York" photographs until after Thanksgiving. I also don't bring out my snowperson collection and don't start writing my holiday cards. I want to savor pumpkin time and then I want to savor Thanksgiving. There is time enough for Chanukah and Christmas in December.
But I happened to walk by the main post office yesterday and was delighted with the holiday decorations. I'm nearly positive that I've walked by/in this branch of the post office between Thanksgiving and Christmas many times and I don't remember the steps being decorated. Either I didn't notice this in the past -- unlikely -- or it's something new -- much more likely -- but I wanted to share this now. It looked so festive, I didn't want to wait. I also organized my address list, which isn't a big project, but I need to put aside an undisturbed hour to get it done. I even wrote and addressed two cards, which I will wait to mail in December. I'm not rushing the season that much.
When do you start your organizing, and when do you start decorating? I have friends who put their Christmas trees up right after Halloween and others who will wait until Christmas week. Which group are you part of?
This was a long-planned weekend away, but a flood in my kitchen changed my plans. I may have been overly cautious staying home, but leaks in old buildings (or new buildings) can lead to disaster and I'd hate to come home to water and mess everywhere. I'm waiting for parts for my dishwasher and I hope, hope, hope, they're readily available.
It's been a busy week. Medical appointment, haircut, Pilates class, time at the gym, Weight Watchers and a wonderful theater afternoon at Lincoln Center. I saw an extraordinary production of Ragtime, based on the novel by E.L. Doctorow, and highly recommend it to anyone who may be in New York in the next six months.
As ever, thanks for visiting and enjoy these sweet days of autumn.

9 comments
This is beautiful -- elegant, simple and perfect with the style of the building. You saw "Ragtime." Sigh. I saw the original production in the 90s and have always loved that musical. So sorry to her about your kitchen. I get why you'd stay home. I have basement issues in major rains and you just have to be on top of it. When do you start your organizing, and when do you start decorating? I won't get the tree up or decorations till the day after Thanksgiving (though I might sneak something up that morning while I'm watching the parade!) I'll try to get it done by the weekend -- company coming the next week!
I always wait till after Thanksgiving to start preparing for Christmas. So many times I see Halloween decorations and then followed by Christmas. We can't forget that Thanksgiving comes first and Christmas follows that!
I love Thanksgiving, too, Carol, and I don't put up Christmas decorations until it's over. What's the rush? Hope you can get that dishwasher fixed. Have a great weekend!
I wait until after Thanksgiving to decorate, I usually host the dinner so I enjoy all the Autumn things I’ve collected over the years. But I do love to see all the festive decorations around! I’m for anything happy! Happy weekend, Virginia
I wait until after Thanksgiving.
Out and about I'm finding many folks are putting Christmas decorations and Christmas trees up! A little early for me but it does look nice and festive and brings a smile.
Enjoy your Autumn days.
All the best Jan
It's so beautiful to see the steps of the post office decorated! It brings joy!
I'm sorry for your leak, and that it spoiled your weekend.
Oh wow, that's so festive and pretty.
I agree with you, Carol, and do not start putting out any Christmas decos, setting up the tree or doing card writing until after Thanksgiving has come and gone. The only exception is watching some of the many holiday films now on Netflix before we start watching out own DVD holiday collection. The post office decos are wonderful and not overdone. Too bad about the water leak and as we also live in an older building, I can understand your concern even though it meant cancelling your plans.
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