The Christmas Rush 2013
I have always considered myself a Christmas geek and I am proud of it. I do love, love Christmas. It is a very festive time of year and I enjoy the whole atmosphere. It is such joy to see people with their families shopping, eating out, sightseeing, or just being together having fun. How I wish Christmas lasted longer than it usually does. You can just imagine how sad I am when the season ends. While I do console myself with the fact that it will be around once again in twelve months, it is another twelve month wait. Anyway, these were some of the images I captured of my beloved city by the bay a few days before the big day.
Taken in the middle of Union Square. I have said it many times, I truly never get tired of this iconic San Francisco landmark. This is the epicenter of retail in the city. I enjoy walking here any day of the week. Christmas is particularly special with all the décor that adorn the place. On weekends and when school vacation begins, it is jampacked with people. The whole scene is truly joyous.
One of my favorite department stores, Neiman Marcus
Every year, Neiman Marcus is literally besieged with visitors to view its gigantic tree placed in its lobby. It is a sight to behold.
I have visited this place year after year to see its tree. This is what it looks like from below.
I know people who call this place, Neiman Markup given the astronomical prices of its merchandise. Truth be told, it is an expensive place.
This mannequin is ready for the Christmas gala.
This Christmas tree went up in October I believe. Yes, folks, Christmas does start earlier and earlier every year and I love it!
Goods on display on my favorite floor, the interior design
Who can resist German made nutcrackers?
I own a few of these nutcrackers and it is a battle every year refraining myself from purchasing more.
I swear, I 'll get this one next year!
And this one too!
Ornaments!!! Over the past 15 years, I have amassed all kinds of ornaments from all over the world. I particularly have a preference for the glass blown ones made in Germany, Poland and the rest of Eastern Europe. I have collected over a thousand of them and yes, storage in my condo is maxed.
If I remember right, each of these ornaments were priced close to a $100 a piece. Yikes!
It was here in the US where I first saw ornaments of every imaginable shape, size, and kind. There are shoe ornaments to Hollywood icons like Jimmy Stewart and Marilyn Monroe. I know. I own some of them.
I need a wreath. I need a wreath. I need another wreath. NOT!
I should have bought these stockings when they went on sale. Priced at $130 a piece, the price went down to $42.50 two days ago during the Sale's last call. I went back to take another look and they were gone. Hmmm. Darn it!
There were still some of these left. I might purchase one. We'll see.
I can't believe Neiman still has silk flowers for décor. They are pretty though.
Neiman Marcus used to be the City of Paris Department Store here in San Francisco. I never really looked at the ceilings til this year. How awesome is this?
This is on the opposite side.
A view of the floors.
Merry Christmas, everyone!