Christmas in July: Metropolitan Museum of Art Edition

Please join me at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for our
final event of "Christmas in July."

Since Christmas in July is more a state of mind than an actual holiday, I'm happy to complete the 2020 Christmas in July series in August. Actually it's consistent with the rest of 2020 to experience it in a month other than July. 

Our first stop is the beautiful Andrea della Robbia Virgin and Child. Andrea was the nephew of Luca della Robbia, who developed the blue and white glazes that have come to be known as the "della Robbia" style. It's one of my favorites at the museum and though it's certainly not a Christmas decoration, it's so evocative of the season. When I researched it on the museum website I noted that it's not on display at the present time, so I'm glad to have this photograph to enjoy. 

Beautiful in every season

The most beautiful Christmas tree in New York City...

Or perhaps anywhere! The decorations on this magnificent tree date from Eighteenth Century Naples. It's especially lovely to visit the tree and the creche figures that surround it in the evening. The lights are dimmed and Christmas music is playing. 

 I love looking at the individual creche figures. So hoping that the museum reopens at the end of this month and can stay open.

In the spirit of this post I ordered my first holiday gift today. I also used my CVS receipt credit and bought two Halloween cards. I'm not only looking forward to the future, but I am keeping with some structure in life and planning ahead. Holidays may not be celebrated the way we've usually celebrated, but I will be celebrating via Zoom and mail. Fortunately I didn't see Halloween candy on display anywhere. I know I would so be tempted. 

As ever, thanks for visiting. Take good care and keep cool.

Christmas in July Pink Saturday

I had at least a dozen emails today reminding me that it was Christmas in July. I disregarded all of them until I found this plaque while walking in the neighborhood.

I walked by Virginia O'Hanlon's house....Yes, that Virginia, as in "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus..."

 

 

I knew there was a real Virginia, but I didn't realize she had lived less than a mile from where I live now. I thought I knew every block in the neighborhood, but there are discoveries still to be made, even after living in the same place for almost twenty-five years. 

 

 

This is Virginia's block. A number of the buildings on the block date from the time when Virginia wrote to The New York Sun, asking her famous question.

 

 

After my historic discovery I continued to my destinations, Whole Foods/Home Goods/Michaels. I had my eye out for Pink Saturday sights and I found the most pretty in pink juice cart imaginable. 

 

 

I didn't stop for one of the smoothies -- another time! -- but I did take a shopping break for frozen yogurt. I went with (mostly) sugar-free strawberry banana and it was also definitely a pretty in pink and delicious snack. 

 

 

 

I'm happy to report that the only forthcoming holiday represented in Michael's was Halloween, and it was only a very small display. I skipped over the pumpkins -- it's July! -- and concentrated on my goal, baby things. But that's a post for another day.

 

I spent today catching up on errands that got lost in the BlogHer mania. I returned my overdue library books, bought the makings for baby cards and replenished my sadly depleted refrigerator. Next on my agenda for the weekend: visit my blog buddies.

 

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a sweet weekend!