It's (Almost) A Wrap for 2025

I joined this crowd of elves and visitors to attempt to see the most iconic 

holiday landmark in New York City. What was I thinking? 

In short I was thinking that it was relatively warm out, I had no set plans and I wanted to see everything I'd missed this season. Everything was not possible and it's highly unlikely that I will visit the Metropolitan Museum or Macy's, but I did get to see the most iconic sight, the tree at Rockefeller Center. 

The view facing west and the Rockefeller Center tree

I've been to Rockefeller Center many times at Christmas and it's always crowded, but this was a new record for crowd. There was a line from Sixth Avenue to the Plaza where the tree is situated to get close to the tree. I've never seen a line before, and it didn't appear to be moving quickly. I skipped standing in line, and walked on West 49th Street (closed to traffic) and took most of my photos from a distance. They're not my best, but it's not really all about the pictures. I was still excited when the tree came into sight and I saw it with the lights shining. The excitement never gets old. 

I was able to get enjoy the windows at Saks Fifth Avenue, across Fifth Avenue from Rockefeller Center. They were lovely and I enjoyed them a lot. Here's a few. 

 

This window celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Rockettes

 and the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers 

Ever since I had the panic attack earlier this month about running out of time to finish my cards, the passage of time has been on my mind, a lot. I ran out of time to finish my cards. I ran out of time to see all the holiday highlights in New York City. This thought led me to realize that I'd (just about) run out of time to do everything I'd hoped to get done in 2025. I didn't read the 52 books I'd set as my Goodreads Challenge and I'm not as thin as I'd hoped to be. As in every season, every year and to extend the thought, in my life, there will come a moment when I run out of time. I'm not here to beat myself up for all that I haven't accomplished. I'm happy for what I did get done, enjoyed, shared and lived. I'm looking forward to what 2026 holds. I pray it's a year of peace and good health for all of us. I've got a perfect word chosen for 2026 and a goal, both of which I'll share on January 1, 2026. I'll be back tomorrow night to bid adieu to 2025. 

Until then, as ever, thanks for visiting and wishes for sweet moments in the waning hours of  2025. 

The Journey of 1,000 Miles: 2025 Edition

 

Seen on East 57th Street, from the windows at Christian Dior  

For the last nine years I've begun the year hoping/planning to walk 1,000 miles. For seven of those years, I've succeeded, including this year. On Friday past I passed the 1,000 mile mark, actually a few days before my estimation. I've walked approximately eight miles since Friday which brings my mileage since 2017 to 9,073 miles. 

The gingerbread decorations at Dior

I'm kind of amazed when I look at these numbers. There are days when I'm dragging for most of the steps and two miles is a stretch. There are other days -- like today -- when three miles zip by. There's no rhyme or reason to it, though company and interesting scenery make the steps pass more quickly. This year I walked in six states and six countries, including the United States. I added Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia, which included some of the most interesting walking of my life. 

A close up of the Dior windows

One day this month when my steps were really dragging, I thought about calling 2025 my last year of 1,000 miles and not tracking mileage at all. But I've gotten  reinvigorated and I'll continue tracking in 2026. I'm not going for 1,000 miles, only 900+. My goal for 2026 is to complete My Journey of 10,000 Miles. 

On a different note, I've calmed down a lot since my last post. I'm aware that I won't see every holiday decoration in New York City this year. I may not/probably won't make it to Macy's, the Metropolitan Museum or the windows and light show at Saks and that's fine. It's like everything else in life. There are a lot of places that I may not/probably won't get to, and that's okay but as I slow down I'm enjoying stopping and smelling the gingerbread. Thanks, all, for your good advice. 

As ever, thanks for visiting. Enjoy the days ahead and stop and smell the gingerbread.  

 

The Journey of 10,000 Miles is in Sight

 

It's just beyond the 2026 horizon 

I was walking home from the grocery store this afternoon and I started thinking about my mileage for next year. My legs felt heavy, as did my grocery bag. I thought to myself, that "pushing for 1,000 miles in a year is getting to be too much. I'm getting too old for this." I thought I might aim for 750 miles for next year instead. 

I decided once I got home that I would check my total mileage for the nine years I've been attempting to walk 1,000 miles. I found that I've walked 8065 miles before this year and with the 945 miles I've walked in 2025 my total mileage is 9,010 miles. I anticipate walking another 70+ miles this year and that leaves 900+ miles to complete my goal. 2026 will be the Journey of 900+ Miles and I'm amazed and delighted to have come so close. The goal was out there pushing me on, but the journey and the places I've been blessed to walk has been amazing. 

I walked around Rockefeller Center on  Saturday. The tree hasn't been lit yet, but the crowds were still there. It was wall to wall people, lively and lots of fun. I'm definitely going to make a return trip (or two) to Rockefeller Center later this month, so I'll save those pictures for a later post. But I took a number of pictures walking from the bus over to Fifth Avenue that I thought would be fun to share. 

One of my favorite holiday displays on Sixth Avenue

I zipped past Radio City Music Hall...

This fun window...

To arrive at Rockefeller Center

In the fifty years I've lived in New York, and the many times I visited before I lived here, this sight never gets old, and I expect it never will.   

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a great Tuesday. 

 

It's Monkey Monday (On Tuesday)

 

On this Monkey Monday, we're going to see the Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo

The Holiday Lights at the Bronx Zoo have long been on my list of things to do. But like so many things I just didn't get to it. The tickets seemed pricy, it wasn't a simple bus ride and none of my friends ever suggested it. Those are actually pretty flimsy reasons and now that I've typed them out, they're really not reasons at all. But since this is the moment when I'm looking to do things I've always wanted to do I made the effort to get to see the Lights. It was well worth it. 

Loved seeing the display of trees

Loved these parrots at the South America Illuminations,

and the sloth, pictured below

 

You may ask why this post is titled "Monkey Monday?" It's Monkey Monday because I made this trip with my beloved monkey friend, Pep. Pep was dressed up for the occasion with a cozy hoodie and his Snoopy pajamas. 

Pep had a tremendously good time seeing the lights and decorations

Another view of the Holiday Lights

Though I hadn't really meant to, this officially launches holiday posting, 2026.  I'm hoping to start making visits to my favorite sights this weekend. My goal is to get to Fifth Avenue and start with Rockefeller Center. I know I'll be there with (tens of) thousands snapping pictures, but that's -- happily -- Christmas in New York.  

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.

 

It's Been a Whirlwind

 

My most recent seasonal fun discovery, Gingerbread Lane

There comes a time every December when I realize "everything" won't get done before Christmas. I knew it would happen and even planned for it, by buying New Year's cards to send out when my cards didn't get written in time to arrive before Christmas. But though I know it would happen I was still surprised that while riding on the bus this afternoon the thought popped into my head, "Buttercup, you ran out of time. Put down your pen and your wrapping paper and just enjoy." 

I was making my last foray to buy a gift that I should have bought a month ago. Fortunately I found  exactly what I needed, both useful and well priced. I also caught up on groceries and a few staples that I needed, including shampoo. I'm thinking ahead to No-Spending January, which is right around the corner and so well-timed. 

But the last few weeks were definitely not all errands. It's been a wonderful season of visitors and sight-seeing. I paid a visit to the Shops at Columbus Circle and discovered Gingerbread Lane, a fabulous collection of New York sights made of gingerbread. I loved the creativity and tremendous detail. 

While I was at the Shops I enjoyed the light show in the atrium and spent time enjoying the changing light colors and the music that goes with them. Definitely need a return visit.

Fabulous view looking east across Central Park West/59th Street

My whirlwind stops including a return visit to Rockefeller Center and a stop at the  fabulous FAO Schwarz toy store, though calling it a toy store doesn't seem to include all the fun and wonders there. I usually wouldn't attempt a visit to there after Thanksgiving and there was a line (!) just to enter. But my friend, Cheryl, visiting from Atlanta had made a  reservation for the Jellycat Diner Experience. This was totally unknown to me before Cheryl mentioned it, but known to just about everyone on TikTok, including Cheryl's daughter. It was a lot of fun and an experience, rather than an actual diner. 

A moment of our very fun Jellycat Diner Experience

The Bryant Park Holiday Market

This last month has been a wonderful whirlwind, but the last days brought a time of sorrow. One of my stops was the Holiday Market at Bryant Park at 42nd Street. I enjoyed seeing the shops, browsing and watching the ice skaters. The holiday markets are a great part of the season, in New York City and all over the world. My heart and prayers go out to Germany and the people of Magdeburg, where the fun and happy spirit of the holiday market and the city was shattered on Friday.  My continuing prayers for a world where there is peace. 

That's a wrap on the pre-Christmas fun. Tomorrow I'm out of Manhattan for a few days  with friends. I'll  return on Christmas for just a little more whirlwind fun with out of town visitors as well as celebrating Chanukah, which begins on December 25.    

As ever, thanks for visiting and keep cozy! 

  

Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Join me in Rockefeller Center for snowman time

 

My friend Lorrie came to town and we built snowmen

My high school friend Lorrie was in town last week and thanks to our friends at Teleflora we got to build snowmen. I found this one-day event on Instagram and realized it was the day and the time that Lorrie would be visiting from Connecticut. We deferred lunch in order for this once in a lifetime opportunity. We had molds and attire -- the cute little striped scarves in the photographs -- and an incredible amount of fun for two women approaching our 57th high school reunion. 

It was 60 degrees so the little guy was melting fast

Fortunately he lasted long enough to be photographed

The setting for our snowman fun

Once again December has flown by. I've had two visits to Rockefeller Center, at least five to the post office and any number to Target. Among the errands I've also seen two terrific gingerbread exhibits and the movie "Wicked." I've still got (more than) a few packages to wrap and cards to write, but once again I'm sure that all of the last minute errands and cards and packing will -- more or less -- get done. I've got my list for the next few days and then will be spending a couple of days away from home, relaxing and enjoying time with friends. What are your plans for the weekend before Christmas?

As ever thanks for visiting, and have a cozy weekend. 

With Love from 34th Street

 

With love from Macy's 34th Street 

I made my annual visit to Macy's week before last and enjoyed the windows as much as ever. I happened to be in the neighborhood, an unusual occurrence, and got there before much of the expected crowd. What a treat! Happily, sharing a few of my favorites.

Santa in the window, on Avenue of the Americas

I would be remiss to skip Santa in a display about Christmas at Macy's. I'm not sure what year I first saw "Miracle on 34th Street," -- maybe 1958? But it has definitely stuck with me, especially at this time of year. Any other fans of the movie in Buttercupland?

One of the toys on display

I fell in love with the teddy bears on parade.

They look ready to pop out of the window and march down the street.

For at least the 50th year in a row I resolved to get all of my holiday errands done in a timely fashion and now it's the middle of December and I think I'm as behind as I've ever been and that includes when I was working and commuting two hours a day. How does it happen? I started off with a ton of energy and even though my social calendar isn't filled with rounds of parties, there's still a lot to do, and so much I haven't done. I'd hoped to have all of the packages mailed by now, but, alas, I still have things to buy. 

I have gotten to share New York in December with out of town friends and it's been a great pleasure. The next week is quieter and it will include several trips to the post office, which means there will be some shopping and a lot of wrapping to accomplish. 

I've got no complaints. I remember back to December 2020 when much of my life was lived virtually and my hope was that one day I would have out of town visitors and meals indoors. I'm grateful for the good times of the last year and the busy calendar shared with friends this month. It's everything I hoped and wished for four years ago. So, friends, please excuse me if the packages and cards arrive a little off schedule, but life has been calling, and I've been answering.

I've been to most of my favorite seasonal sights -- still have to see the windows at Bergdorf's to visit -- and plan to be back in the week ahead with blog visits to Hudson Yards and to Rockefeller Center.  

As ever, thanks for visiting and every happy wish for the week ahead. 

Coming Soon to the Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

    It's almost time for my favorite tree of the season

We've had a tradition in Buttercupland that December holiday posts begin after Thanksgiving. Generally, my first post of the season goes up the day after Thanksgiving, and I've stuck to the tradition through the years. But I was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art yesterday for a wonderful lecture on Italian Renaissance painting and as I strolled through the museum I came upon this sight. I was delighted to see the Museum Christmas tree set up and waiting to be reintroduced. The sight inspired me to bring a some holiday joy a little early. 

The first Christmas trees  -- I saw -- for sale on the streets of New York

I was very tempted to start the holiday posts with the photograph above. Last Friday I was walking on Broadway and there was the first of, what over the weekend, became many Christmas tree stands. In the last few days they seem to be everywhere throughout the neighborhood. My memory is coming home on Thanksgiving night and seeing the first stand shining with lights in the dark. It was always one of my favorite moments of the season. This year didn't go quite like that, but it was still a very happy moment. 

My new friends!

On Saturday on my way to the library I found this group of new friends and yes, they are next to a Christmas tree stand. I love snowmen -- my collection will come out over the weekend -- and I 'm very tempted to add one of these cuties to the group. I really don't have room for one more decoration, so I'm holding back as long as I can. I was given one new snowman earlier this year, so I don't really need another one. But as we know, need has very little/nothing to do with items that catch one's heart. 

Here's to the first of many Christmas in New York posts. It wouldn't be December in Buttercupland without them. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care.

 

On Christmas Night

Christmas in New York City

Yes, friends, this is Christmas in New York City. It's not Rockefeller Center or the department store windows in Manhattan, but it's still New York City. And if it looks like the beach, that's because it is the beach, and it's where I spent the 2023 Christmas weekend. 

Thanks to dear friends I enjoyed Christmas at the beach without leaving New York City. Though it sounds like a complete contradiction New York City has 520 miles of shorefront and this area at the far end of Queens (one of the five boroughs that make up New York City) has some of the nicest beaches I know. Though it's just an hour from home it's a million miles away for peace and quiet and that is a wonderful gift.   

If you celebrate Christmas I hope that your celebration was filled with laughter and fun, good food, perhaps a holiday movie or two and moments of peace and joy. I hope your day was bright with  family, friends and good times. 

 I've purposely left the week ahead very unscheduled. I still have cards to write -- same as every year -- and I want to get to the gym, enjoy walking in the mild weather predicted for the week and finish up a couple of books I've started. What's on your agenda for the last week of 2023?

As ever, thanks for visiting and wishes for a week of peace and rest.  

It's Beginning to Look Exactly Like Christmas

                                            In five more days the tree stands a

                            and the aroma of the trees will once again be memory

December 2023 went right on schedule. I start off with a dozen lists and right after Thanksgiving I'm checking items off, quick, quick, quick. Cards are ordered, stamps are bought and I've bought almost everything I need to get. The first week goes great. I've mailed half a dozen packages and sent off a dozen cards. This year is going to be different. I'm ahead of schedule. 

And then somehow real life gets in the way of the lists. I realize that some of the presents that were bought in the beginning of November -- and really perfectly chosen -- are nowhere to be found and I've ransacked the apartment. This event leads to figuring out the shopping websites of Europe and after some slips and slides I've now ordered in two countries and two languages and figured out free shipping in both. No more standing in the post office line waving the duty declaration slips and getting glares all around. 

There will be cards, but in some cases not before Christmas. Since the remaining cards are for New Years, some friends may be receiving Baby Yoda and Pep cards which are pretty cute.  I've still got the previously mentioned New Years cards to write, wrapping to do and in a New York custom preparing the envelopes for my building staff. 

I ask the question I ask every year, where did December go?

December flew by with long walks on city sidewalks and time spent with friends. It flew by seeing the windows of Fifth Avenue and Macy's and a visit to Rockefeller Center. There was a neighborhood party, a college party and an early Christmas dinner and there were lots of homemade cookies. The gifts will be wrapped, the cards will be written and the last minute errands will be done, some more completely than others. But the errands will matter so much less than the time shared.

And while we've mentioned Macy's, the windows were extraordinary this year and perhaps my favorites of this New York season.

                                                        The Candy Cane Carousel

The cutest reindeer, Tiptoe

The Nutcrackers of Macy's 

Three cheers for walks on city sidewalks or country roads, time spent with those we love, the aroma of pine trees and Christmas cookies. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and wishes for a bright and blessed week. 

  

On the Fifteenth Day of December

It's Christmas Time in the City 

I'm kind of astounded as I type the title of today's post. There are ten days until Christmas and sixteen days until the year ends. Astounded! The tide of visiting friends, errands and fun has come at me like a wave and as soon as I check off one thing from my endless list two more pop up. But I imagine your days are like this, too, at the time of year. 

Vanderbilt Avenue, next to Grand Central Station

After a medical appointment yesterday I walked by Grand Central Station and enjoyed seeing the decorations in the area. It was a cold, but beautifully sunny day and a perfect day to enjoy the holiday look in Midtown Manhattan. 

One of my favorite Christmas trees is in the Metlife Building

I've got several holiday sites to visit in the next few days, including getting back to Lincoln Center for an outdoor concert in the plaza, but that will depend on the weather. Every recent newscast has discussed the storm that is scheduled to arrive in the next day. I'm hoping that New York City won't be a slippery mess and everyone can enjoy the last weekend before Christmas without slipping and sliding.  

As ever, thanks for visiting and sharing the beauty of New York City at Christmas.  

On the Eighth Day of December

I stayed in the neighborhood and enjoyed the local decorations

This is an outdoor dining area for one of the local restaurants. They decorate for every holiday and it's always fun. I especially enjoyed the dog in the Santa cap and antlers. It's not fancy, but I so enjoyed the whimsy as I did errands this afternoon. 

I did have an "event" that took most of the day, but as I wrote yesterday I'm not to post/discuss it until Monday, when it goes "public." I appreciate being part of this and, as excited as I am to share, my lips are sealed (metaphorically speaking) until Monday.    

On the eighth day of December I am also starting to fade. After a vigorous start with cards and mailing, I'm barely getting a card written every day. I'm enjoying blogging daily, but I'd forgotten that blogging every day takes a lot of focus, and my focus is thinning, at least today. I'm optimistic that a good night's  sleep -- or as much as I can get -- and a totally unscheduled day will get my energy tank refilled. How are all of you doing? 

As ever, thanks for visiting and keep cozy!

On the Seventh Day of December

 

I went to the West Village

The West Village is the area below Fourteenth Street near the Hudson River. It's a quiet, mostly low-rise neighborhood. There are still cobblestone streets and single family brownstones. There are small parks and lots of greenery for being in the middle of a major city. I love walking there. 

Instead of the bright lights and bright decorations I've been posting I found simple wreaths, greenery and the decorations in the park. It was simple, not crowded and the aroma of greenery was everywhere. I was reminded of the Shaker song, 'Tis a  gift to be simple."

One of my favorite New York City trees this season 

If I closed my eyes for a minute I imagined I was in Nineteenth Century New York

Greenery and the beautiful aroma throughout the park

Big, big day tomorrow! I can say no more now, but it involves dressing up and anticipation for the past six months. I'm optimistic that I can take photographs and though, I may not be able to post tomorrow, I will post when I'm able to. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care. 

 

On the Sixth Day of December

I figured out how to download a video

A still photo, just for fun!

It took a lot longer than I expected, which is why I am posting this close to midnight. But hooray, Buttercupland has entered the video age with this video of the Viewmaster that was part of the windows of Saks Fifth Avenue. I need to do a little research to see how I can make this process a little less cumbersome, but until then enjoy 20 seconds on Fifth Avenue. 

I'm one tired Buttercup, so this will be a quick post. Until tomorrow, my friends!

As ever, thanks for visiting and sweet dreams.   

On the Fifth Day of December: It's a Charlie Brown Christmas

 

It's a Charlie Brown Christmas in Buttercupland and it always will be

"It's a Charlie Brown Christmas" first aired on television in 1965. It immediately becamea mainstay of the holiday season, until this year. Yes, 2022 is the first year that this beloved show will not be shown on television. Of course the world has changed and it's possible to find it in a hundred different venues. Call me old-fashioned, but I believe that there's still 25 minutes -- that's the length -- that could be found for Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and the rest of our beloved Peanut friends. What's next? Please don't tell me there's no time for the Great Pumpkin!

As long as we're visiting Charlie Brown and Snoopy at the local Christmas tree stand I thought I'd post a picture of the New York version of bringing the Christmas tree home. It's not done by a walk in the woods, but rather a walk on the city sidewalks in a Target shopping cart. Last night was a busy night at the tree stand and lots of trees were being bundled. 

Charlie oversees the activity on the sidewalk

I promised more photographs of the windows at Saks Fifth Avenue if I was able to get there. Thanks to a visiting friend -- thanks, Cheryl -- I happened to find myself on Fifth Avenue before the crowds emerged and did we have a clear view! I'll be posting the photos tomorrow and if I can get it to work, a video. Yes, it's time for videos to come to Buttercupland. 

Tomorrow regularly scheduled activity resumes -- the gym and the post office -- with one exception. I will be getting to meet my friend Diane and we've got some fun planned. What's on your agenda?

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a terrific Tuesday.