TC |
Sep 28th, 2000 01:03 PM |
Sheryl; I highly recommend going to The Metropolitan Museum of Art to see their Christmas tree. We loved it. To quote from the museum program: "The annual installation of the Christmas tree at The Met is an event cherished by visitors and scholars alike. The Baroque base of the majestic tree supports a landscape in which vivid eighteenth-century Neapolitan creche figures reenact the events of Christ's nativity. Magi, dressed in sumptuous robes, are surrounded by their retainers and animals. Exotic travelers, townspeople, and shepherds throng to Bethlehem to view the Christ Child lying in the manger. Above the infant and the graceful figures of Mary and Joseph, a glory of angels hover in adoration. The tradition of re-creating the events at the manger became a national passion in 18th-century Naples. Leading artists were commissioned to create extravagant panoramas containing hundreds of figures, many shown dressed in current fashion and attending to their trades. They offer a wealth of information about the costumes and customs of the day." <BR> <BR>The figures each stand about 20" tall and there are hundreds of them. The heads are sculpted in terra cotta and painted like very fine works of art - many depicting important people of the time. The bodies are flexible for posing and the costumes are decorated with jewels, etc and are beautiful. The tree above the whole village (the village is the base upon which the tree stands) is covered in angels. This is a very unique holiday experience - not found just anywhere. I'm certain you can check the Met's web site for dates and times. <BR> <BR>Another suggestions is to try to find a little paperback book called: New York Holiday Guide, the best places to eat, drink, shop and celebrate by Charles Suisman and Carol Molesworth. In it I found chapters like: Holiday Traditions-the Salvation Army sings at the 21 Club, Bright Lights, Big Trees-the best dressed trees in town, Finding the Holiday Spirit-warming up by the fire and ice skating and hot chocolate, FaLaLaLa-music around town, caroling and the tuba Christmas concert, Holiday Magic for Children-hanging out with santa and model train magic, The Shopping Directory and Wining, Dining, and Dancing. I loved this book. ISBN # 1-885492-87-1 or they list an email in the book of [email protected] if you can't find it in a bookstore. I think it cost about $12. <BR> <BR>I hope this helps. I loved my one Christmas in NY - especially the Rockettes. A great choice. Enjoy
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