It feels strange to be back in New York, but it’s a nice time of year to be here. Most of my Christmas shopping has been foiled by the masses of Euro-wielding guests looking for bargains. I really prefer just looking at the windows anyway.

Macy’s is all done up for the holidays. The 2007 Holiday display is of Santa’s Big Night. It features Santa Claus’ travels across the world fighting Jack Frost’s snowy chills, and celebrating back at the North Pole after a long night’s work.

I love riding the old wooden escalator in Macy’s. The clickety clack is a nostalgic sound. They have apparently been in operation here since 1927. The same model, according to Otis’ website was “Australia’s first escalator, installed in 1924 in the Lavender Bay Railway Station in Sydney. The one there has since been retired. For excessive detail on Macy’s escalators, visit http://www.forgotten-ny.com/STREET%20SCENES/wood.escalator/wooden.html.