It’s been a lovely, busy, run-up to Christmas vacation (see: choir concert, house guests, work parties, etc.), and in the midst of all of that I have not had much time to write. So here’s my list (some of it shamefully linking to other posts) of Things You Should Do If You’re Staying in NYC Over the Holidays.

1. Walk by Macy’s, Saks Fifth Ave, and any other major department store to check out their Christmas windows. The decorations inside are probably also amazing, but I would not recommend going in too close to Christmas.

2. Go ice skating (Bryant Park, Wollman Rink, or the new Prospect Park Lakeside beginning on the 20th).

3. Go see my favorite Christmas tree (Origami) or my less favorite but still pretty (Rockefeller).

4. Visit the New York Public Library to see some lovely Christmas decorations and the children’s book exhibit.

5. Take a walk in a park–but only if it snows again. And wear boots.

6. Take the subway out to Queens and go to the Queens Museum.

7. Buy some last minute (or late) gifts at the Brooklyn Flea.

8. Try to get cheap theater tickets at TKTS. Things I’ve seen and loved: Once, Peter and the Starcatcher. Seen and enjoyed: Pippin, Big Fish, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia. Heard were great from other people: Cinderella, Twelfth Night, Waiting for Godot, The Glass Menagerie, Matilda.

9. Head to Grand Central and (notice a theme?) enjoy the Christmas decorations–and then take a day trip to Connecticut, or up the Hudson, to anywhere that sounds interesting.

10. Stay home, bake cookies, and marathon the TV show of your choice. Sherlock season 3 arrives in January, so if you haven’t watched it yet, Netflix is your friend.