Season's Greetings

On Friday the Ya-Yas and I joined the crazy mobs and went shopping at Union Square, a tradition. Lots of laughing and catching up, enjoying the cold, merry speed of a holiday in the city. For dinner we worked very hard to secure a great table on the terrace of the Cheesecake Factory, at the top of Macy's. Some Ya-Ya magic must'ave helped as we finished dinner in perfect sync with the countdown to the lighting of the Union Square Christmas tree.

Thus, the season has begun.

And today I joined my mom and her two girlfriends on another trip to the city. We had lunch at the cafe in Nordstrom's before heading to the Orpheum Theater. I'd suggested that we take in a showing of the new broadway rendition of White Christmas.

In a word: magical. As a huge fan of the original White Christmas, starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, I was skeptical when I went to the theater with Jon's folks last year at this time. But even with the changes made to adapt the show to the stage, I was enchanted. This time was no different.

Inspired by one of the most famous Christmas carols of all time, written by Irving Berlin and shot to the top of the charts by the vocal stylings of Bing Crosby, White Christmas is the story of two GIs ten years after the end of World War II who are successful on Broadway. They fall in love, give generously to their former general when he falls on hard times, and sing and dance up a storm in the process. Oh, the joy of fifties musicals!

The dazzling young cast gave an all-around beautiful performance. Especially the young woman who played Betty Haines. Goreous voice! Mom, Denise, Gigi and I allowed ourselves to be transported back to a simpler time, and we were practically tap dancing out the door at the end of the day.

I'm ready for this season. Thanksgiving was wonderful, bring on Christmas!

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
just like the ones I used to know,
where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
with every Christmas card I write.
May your days be merry and bright,
and may all your Christmases be white.