I absolutely love collecting ornaments, particularly from different places of travel.  It’s really cool to find old and antique ornaments at flea markets, garage sales, antique shops or even in grandma’s garage.  I even have newer collections from Target and Macy’s.  Going to Macy’s holiday lane is so much fun for me and gets me into the holiday spirit.  As a matter of fact, this was the first year I got my picture taken with Santa Claus at Macy’s.

Don’t forget that ornaments make fantastic gifts as well.  Some great Christmas decorations and ornaments to collect and give as presents are from designers, Annalee and Kurt S. Alder.  You can find good deals and stock at TJ-Maxx or Marshalls.

Scottish Mr. & Mrs. Claus. They have their special Christmas outfits for all countries.

Lil' Drummer Boy - Pa rum pum pum pum! Found him at Perennial Clothing Antique Store in East Islip.

Lofty llama from Peru.

Ballerina Bunny- This was a gift from my sis.

Red Hot Sequins Dress- Great for holiday parties.

...and with that dress you need a leopard bag.

Gingerly Gingermen

Bavarian beer straight from Munich, Germany.

So I like Ballerina Bunnies! But this one is the Prima Bunny Ballerina. Another gift.

A cool TJ-Maxx find- Swirly lit Snowman

I think the last time I ice-skated was like over 10 years ago at Wollman Rink in Central Park but I must say I really think the rink at Bryant Park aka Citi Pond is cuter. There are little holiday shops and a convenient restaurant set up around the pond sponsored by Citibank.

Another great ice skating rink is of course is at the touristy Rockefeller Center.  BTW- Tonight is the tree lighting ceremony for those visitors out there.  Click here for a list of the top 5 ice-skating rinks in New York City.

Hope everyone’s holidays got a great start this winter season!

View of Ice-Skating Rink at Bryant Park from the top of Bryant Park Hotel

Citi Pond Ice-Skating Rink shot from Bryant Park Hotel