DECEMBER!
What a festive month!
Not only that it is the last month of the year but to me and my family, December is super special as we celebrate 3 birthdays and 1 wedding anniversary in this month. Well, I am not going to share stories about these December celebrations which happened to be very colorful as we spent most of them in Bali. This time I would like to share some fun and joy we have (and had) every December, especially during our almost-5-year-stay in New York City from 2014 - 2018. It is also part of #LGChristmasChallenge2020 initiated by dearest @Velvel .
December means holiday season.
And NYC, as always, has its own unique, sparkly way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year for most of us.
Well, whenever you go to NYC in December, burst of red, green, silver and gold (and some pastels too) are mostly popping up here and there. Blinking lights from trees and windows, rows of angels and nutcrackers, piles of glittery colorful gift boxes, and tons of chocolates, candy canes and cookies are such a feast to my eyes.
Although we don’t celebrate Christmas, but we do love to see the joyful spirit everywhere. Besides, our neighbors and the owner of the house we’ve been renting so far always spare their time and give us gifts although we said that we’re not celebrating it. So, sharing and caring are indeed the values that we hold dear regardless of your religions or faith. We do respect those who celebrate it and enjoy the festivity. The great vibe dan the feelings of togetherness with your family and loved one is really something we all can cherish.
And I got to admit that I really enjoy the Christmas sale. Guilty as charged!
Big, big sales almost on everything, almost everywhere.
Don’t get me wrong…
Of course holiday is not about shopping or grabbing sales. But if you can get an extra bonus of saving while you focus and share more attention to your families, friends and people around you, why not :).
So, one of the ‘rituals’ that I usually do in December before going rampantly buying things (forgive me Lord) is window shopping and hunting Christmas decoration windows. Yuuup… you read it right. Window shopping! I guess I read it somewhere that window shopping is the favorite pastime of all New Yorkers.
Isn’t it fun? Or you think it’s dangerous as you might be tempted to get things that you don’t actually need?
To me, it works the other way around. I tend to be more determined in buying certain products (that I have been meaning to buy :)) after strolling around those department stores and shops. I know, it’s time consuming and tiring as well, but whenever I have time, I will sneak to those places. It’s a like a wonderful intermezzo for me as well.
And in December, those department stores always come up with such a glamorous Christmas decorations. So along the famous Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Bryant Park, Times Square as well as Herald Square (where one of my favorite department stores is located), you will find endless rows of elaborate windows with colorful themes and designs. With some fine and eclectic themes including Peanuts the Movie, Winter Wonderland, the Sleeping Beauty, angelic troops, and many more, you will find yourself being awestruck. Not to mention the full-pledge Light Show in front of the building which will surely take your breath away!
Here are some of the mementos I have during my stay in the Big Apple and some fun snaps I took around Christmas.
I moved back to Jakarta, Indonesia in August 2018 but I still travel to NYC 2-3 times a year for my work. Of course, when COVID-19 pandemic struck, I stopped traveling abroad and just recently start traveling to the surrounding areas including Bali. So it’s good to see some photos from my previous travels.
Meanwhile, when staying in Bali for around 2 weeks in the beginning of December, we also enjoyed Christmas decorations in the hotels where we were staying. Fun, unique Christmas trees can be easily found here as well and took pictures of some from Conrad Bali and Sofitel Nusa Dua. They look unique indeed! One is made of cute little Balinese monkey dolls named Komang in various costumes.
And the one displayed at Sofitel Nusa Dua was composed of specially made young coconut leaves or janur used for offerings in Bali. Such a lovely traditional touch for this wonderful festivity We love them all.
Another unique Christmas tree that I have seen is the one being displayed in Pullman Hotel Jakarta in December last year. It was made of used plastic bottles and sponsored by one of the leading brand of bottled water. I hope we will see more and more artistic installments made of recycled items.
So, that’s a little story of my travel here and there enjoying sparkly December and the Christmas vibes. Again, although it’s a bit late but I hope those celebrating Christmas find joy, health and happiness during this trying time.
Cheers!
. How about you? Any special item you get for yourself?
I also got a new Android as the replacement of the old one that makes me “gemes” because the battery drained too fast. I know that it deserves a new one after several years and hardwork 