Hello! I'm Vanessa.

Living in Steil

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How to Survive NYC During the Holidays

Tree at Rockefeller Center

{The Tree at Rockefeller Center}

You may remember from my December Agenda that I had high hopes for my New York City trip this month. Ice skating at one of the outdoor rinks was going to be a highlight for me.

Well, here’s how my day in New York City turned out:

1. Going to NYC during Santa Con = mistake number one!

2. Ice skating at Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park = epic fail

3. Seeing more than one store window = epic fail

4. Getting close to the tree at Rockefeller Center = epic fail

5. Trying to get into the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) = epic fail

6. Browsing Anthropologie = a marginal success (unless you actually wanted to purchase something)

7. A Santa Claus fight in front of an Irish bar = time to go home!

8. Dinner at Shake Shack on Long Island = best decision of the day

So the final tally of successful undertakings at the end of the day looked something like this:

Me: 2
New York City: 6

If you are determined to brave the crowds, keep these tips in mind:

– Wear comfortable shoes
– Have patience
– Go early
– Know alternate routes
– Dress appropriately

Stay tuned for more photos from my day in New York City coming to the blog tomorrow…

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Comments

    • Thanks, Kathy! Pretty crowded is an understatement. It was nearly impossible to move around the City. But at least the weather was great and it felt more like spring than mid-December.

      Reply

    • Thanks, Whitney! I was still able to snap a few pics of the trees at Rockefeller Center and the New York Public Library, along with one store window. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post and more pictures!

      Reply

  9. Lol, Vanessa, I was seriously laughing so hard when reading this, especially the part about the Santa Claus fight, haha! Your tone in this post was awesome! I know, it can definitely be a pain trying to maneuver around the city this time of year, since there are a lot more tourists and out of state visitors. Your suggestions are spot on, you have to have patience and be cute and comfy, it’s a must!

    Try to go back around the second week of January, it should be better 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful start to your week, beauty!

    PS: I made the dumb decision of going to go see the ball drop my senior year of high school with my boyfriend, now husband, without telling my parents, haha! I was in so much trouble and of course, I didn’t see the ball drop; it was CRAZY! I remember just causally answering my phone when my dad called asking where I was and I was like in the city going to see the ball drop and then I blank out, he yelled too much, haha! This post totally reminded me of that day.

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    Reply

    • Your story just put a huge smile on my face! I could totally picture how that conversation went down. You couldn’t pay me enough money to stand in a crowd for hours to watch the ball. I’m sure it’s exciting to see it in person, but I’ll stick to the front row seat I have every year — viewing it from my couch. The next time I go into the City I’ll have to remind myself to check for anything like Santa Con that may be occurring on the day I plan to go in — things you don’t think about living on Long Island! I hope your Monday is going well.

      Reply

  10. Omg the santa clause fight!! I can’t believe that happens hahaha and I love your tip about Anthropologie about only a success unless you actually want to buy something! You are hilarious, Vanessa! This entire list of tips is too good, I really enjoyed reading your suggestions :)!

    http://www.SHVETA.com

    Reply

    • Yes, Shveta! A Santa Claus fight during Santa Con is just one of the many things you might see in NYC this time of year. They don’t mention that in the tour books, do they? I’m glad you found this post entertaining — I had to find some humor in the situation! I hope you’re week is off to a good start.

      Reply

    • Thanks, Tanya! I’m glad you found this post helpful. If you plan on visiting NYC during the holidays, allot time from travel once you arrive…and definitely wear good walking shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of it. It’s probably a better idea to go during the week before people are off for the holidays!

      Reply

    • I was there Saturday, too! Wasn’t it a mob scene, Lauren?! It is hard to enjoy walking around when there are so many people and you can’t get to do and see what you want. I’m glad you enjoyed the post!

      Reply

  14. Hahahaa oh my gosh this post is hilarious. Sorry to hear you ran into so many difficulties in NYC! That place always seems like a danger zone during the holidays. Best of luck during the rest of your stay!

    <(') Hoda | JooJoo Azad, a fashion + social action blog

    Reply

    • Thanks, Hoda! Fortunately, I only went in for the day. But it was crazy busy. If I ever do it again around the holidays I’ll be sure to go in on a week day. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for visiting Living in Steil!

      Reply

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hey there!

I’m Vanessa E. Steil, a board-certified patient advocate, equestrian, and the blogger behind Living in Steil (pronounced ‘style’). Thanks so much for stopping by!

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