December in New York City is an exciting time and place for a birthday celebration, especially one just three days before Christmas.
A time of wintry celebrations and festive energy, the city comes to life with the holiday cheer, lights, music, and the many people coming to make memories.
A good way to escape the 27-degree outside cold might involve seeing a show on Broadway, where the dim lights and historic theaters create a comforting atmosphere. Our Town, written by Thornton Wilder, focused on noticing the meaning of life’s smaller moments and reflecting on how our lives intersect. While it could have been due to the exhaustion from the week or the slower pace of the plotline, the warmth of the theater made it very easy to fall asleep for a short while. Despite this, the message of cherishing life and making the most out of seemingly insignificant moments left a lasting impression.
The cold seemed to bring everyone to life after the show, and people were excited to potentially meet Jim Parsons, famous for his roles in television, including his smaller role in The Muppets. Getting his autograph and meeting a famous person, especially a familiar one, was the perfect way to celebrate, and his freezing audience was thrilled.
New York City is known for its culinary cuisine and has something to offer even for those who love to eat but are hesitant to spend money on trying new foods. Smaller breakfast spots like Zucker’s Bagels offer a handmade and filling morning meal, and the price is relatively reasonable for being in a city. Similarly, The Bread Factory has a wide range of breakfast and lunch options, and great customer service despite being busy and cramped. Though it was more money, the staff prepared a free second serving of french toast for the special occasion, making the experience well worth it.
For dinner, Madame Vo was a charming Vietnamese restaurant with a balanced menu that offered familiar and adventurous dishes. The quality of the food and service was memorable here, but it did not beat the Utsav dining experience of flavorful and exquisite Indian food. Indian cuisine has always been a personal favorite, and Utsav’s chicken tikki masala and naan were an immensely delicious delight.
The ultimate surprise of the trip was an attempt to get on TV as a crowd member on the Today Show. With a 5:30 a.m. alarm, many layers of clothing, and a handmade sign from Masco’s National Art Honor Society, the day began (early) with excitement about the chance to be on television. However, the six-degree weather proved to be a challenge for most of the audience, where groups crowded together for warmth while trying to keep their enthusiasm. When the cameras did come around, the sign made its brief appearance, but looking back, the footage did not make the final edit on NBC. This was somewhat disappointing considering the freezing conditions and lack of famous celebrity guests, but the experience was memorable nonetheless. Warming up afterward with hot chocolate and seeing the news anchors live on air made it clear that regardless of the outcome, the effort and excitement made for a great celebration.
Whether it be indulging in the grand selection of foods in the city, enjoying a show, falling into a lake in Central Park, or exploring the city, there is always something happening in New York, making it a great place to visit during the holiday season. The cold temperatures and high prices may seem daunting, but celebrating every moment in this vibrant city makes everything worthwhile.
